Ni Sonny Malate Presentacion, Camarines Sur --- Labing sampolong sakay ki Ina asin Divino Rostro an ginigibo sa Partido Area kada bulan nin Septiembre sa pagrokyaw kan kafiestahan niya bilang Patrona kan Kabikolan. Tema kan Peñafrancia Celebration 2026: "Ina; Nurturing a Growing Church." Apwera sa Tigaon, an siyam na mga banwaan asin nagkakapirang barangay sa distrito kan Partido nagkakaiguang Maritime (dagat) asin Fluvial (salog) procession na pigdadagsa kan rinibong devotos asin mga turista kada taon. Sarong pambihirang sakay digdi an sa Parroquia ni St. Francis Xavier na nakabase sa barangay Halawigogon, Goa. Nasa ikapitong taon na, ini ginigibo sa irrigation canal kan National Irrigation Administration (NIA) sa nagkakapirang barangay sa Parroquia. An mga sakay na ini ginigibo saro o duwang semanang enot sa dakulang fluvial procession sa ciuadad nin Naga, centro kan debosyon ki Maria sa bilog na Bicol. Ini tanganing magkaiguang oportunidad an mga devotos digdi na magsungko sa celebrasyon sa Naga. Sa Parroquia ni San Vicente Ferrer sa barangay Maangas, ginibo kan nakaaging semana an ika-74 Maritime Procession ki Ina. Sakop an walong barangay kan Parroquia. An Maangas an pinakadakulang barangay sa banwa. Sakop kaini iyo an midbid na isla kan Aguirangan. An mga devotos na gikan sa mga barangay kasabay an mga dayo maogmang nakisumaro sa celebrasyon. An ibang residentes na yaon na ngonian sa ibang lugar nag-uruli mantang an pag-iba sa sakay ni Ina parte na kan saindang buhay espiritual. Si Rene Jardin, residente kan Maangas, 68 años, nag-istorya na dawa nagluluya na an saiyang paghiling asin puwersa resulta kan helang na diabitis, kada taon nagbabale siya sa procession sa mga mayor na kalye digdi bilang parte kan maludok na debosyon ki Ina na biyayaan siyang buhay bagsik Kapareho ni Jardin, an mga devotos gikan sa walong barangay may mga personal man na intention sa pagrani ki Ina. An kadaklan sa sainda iyo an magkaiguang marhay na dakop asin proteksyon sa peligro sa paglawod sa dagat, an mayor na hanapbuhay digdi. Dugang pa digdi iyo an irayo sinda sa katibaadan kun iguang raot nin panahon mantang an lugar napagtahawan kan Lagonoy Gulf asin bukid kaya harani sa baha asin landslide an lugar. Ngonian na taon an Maritime procession dakol an nag-iriba huli ta kalmada an dagat asin marhay an panahon. Mayor na celebrante sa Banal na Misa iyo si Rev. Padre Raymund Payapag na sarong aki mismo kan barangay Maangas. Mientrastanto, pigbuyagyag kan Cura Parroco, Rev. Padre Andres Balawis na an simbahan kan San Vicente Ferrer luma asin peligroso na. Kaipo an mayor na paghirahay o totalmente nang pagtugdok nin bagong estructura depende sa mahahaman na desisyon kan inheniero, simbahan asin ibang autoridad. Hinagad kan Cura Parroco sa mga Parroquiano an pagtarabangan saka pagkasararo sa pagparambong kan Simbahan bilang physical na estructura asin Comunidad na nasa centro si Maria bilang Ina asin an Aking si Hesucristo. Viva la Virgen! Viva El Divino Rostro! Sakay ni Ina sa dagat sa Maangas, Presentacion, CamSur. (Photo - Parroquia ni San Vicente Ferrer)

Naglangkaw nin cinco por ciento an caso kan dengue sa Region Bicol na maabot na sa dos mil na caso ngunian na 2026 poon kan Enero hasta Agosto kumpara sa kaparehong peryodo kan nagtalikod na taon 2025. Huli kaini, an Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development sa pamamayo ni John Dominic Bolunia, National Aedes-Borne Viral Disease Prevention and Control Regional Program Manager, nagpatanid sa publico na bako lang responsabillidad kan mga health worker an paglaban sa caso envez an gabos na indibidwal, cada familia, asin comunidad dapat magkasararo na laban sa naglalakop na caso sa rehiyon. Kun igua nang sintomas, kaipuhan darahon tolos sa doctor o sa clinic maging sa hospital nganing malikayan an peligrosong kumplikasyon, sabi pa kan DOH Bicol. Liwat nindang pigsambit an amay na paglaban o ‘‘prevention’’ siring kan mga minasunod palaobon an mga pig-eestaran kan dengue namok kabale an paglinig sa mga canal; pagsulot nin bado na contra dengue o inaapod na mosquito repellant; asin amay na pagconsulta kun nakakamate na nin sintomas. Sa ngunian an mga lokal na gobierno sa suporta kan saindang mga municipal health officers, barangay health workers, opisyales de barangay nagtatarabangan laban sa paglakop kan helang.

Sa tabang kan augmentation force kan PRO5 sa Naga City Police Office dakulang bagay nganing maseguro an dalagan kan paz y orden sa nakatalaan na fluvial procession ki Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia sa maabot na Septiembre 19, 2026. An PRO5 sa pamamayo ni BGen Randy Glenn Silvio nagseguro kan saindang fuersa kan augmentation force asin mga miembros kan NCPO sa pamamayo ni Col. Rizaldy Caballero nganing maseguro an paz y orden siring kan nangyaring heneralmenteng matuninong na paz y orden sa traslacion procession. Saludo si Silvio sa mga opisyales kan PNP na nagpaheling kan saindang ‘‘professionalism’’ sa tahaw kan ribo-ribong devotos ni Ina dawa na ngani igua man giraray nagpasaway. Maabot sa 2,600 na kapupulisan an nakawarak sa festividad ni Ina. Pasalamat man an regional director sa publico na nagpaheling kan saindang cooperasyon asin suporta sa mga awtoridad para sa seguridad kan Festividad ni Ina. Amay naman an saindang ginibong mga pag-andam kan tropa sa mga iwawarak na kapupulisan sa fluvial procession maging sa iba pang mga matahong lugar asin pagmantenir kan trafico.

Pitong mga Medical Assistance Station an winarak kan Inter-Provincial Commuter kan Philippine National Railways Bicol sa centro kan Ciudad nin Naga sa mga actividades kan festividad ni Ina nganing makatabang kun may emerhenciang pasyente. An tabang na ini kan manihamiento kan perokaril afuera kan saindang dugang na viaje ngunian na Peñafrancia Fiesta sa commuter train digdi sa Camarines Sur asin Albay iguang coordinasyon sa lokal na gobierno sa pamamayo ni Alcalde Leni Robredo. Igua sindang 31 mga ambulancia na winarak kan Traslacion procession asin iguang mga personahes siring kan mga nurses. Alagad sa fluvial procession ki Ina liwat sinda mawarak nin mga MSA. Cada mga actividades arog kan military asin civic parade iguang mga incidenteng nadedesmayo na dapat maayudahan tolos nin tabang medical kun kayang dai na pwedeng darahon sa hospital. Pigbuyagyag kan manihamiento kan PNR Bicol an pitong mga MAS ibubugtak sa Peñafrancia Avenue, Magsaysay Bridge, Magsaysay Avenue, iguang ibubugtak sa may Emall, Crown, Colgante asin Cathedral. Bako lang PNR an nagwarak nin mga Medical Assistance Station alagad maging iba pang mga LGUs, City Hall asin iba pang ahencias.

Tigsik ko po ining Naga ngonian Mahuyong puso kan Kabikolan Magpoon pa kaito hasta sa ngonian Nakahuyom sa kinaban! Maogmang Lugar! Tigsik ko man an salog kan Naga Dalan ni Virgen de Peñafrancia Pano nin kolor, tagob nin istorya Sa samong puso nagtalanhok an ogma! Tigsik ko an ronang Kabikolan Linubngan kan sakong inulnan Saen man na lugar ako mapaduman Nasa puso ko dae malilingwan! Tigsik ko si Inang Peñafrancia Sa Kabikolan samuyang Patrona Samong pailihan, samuyang ranga O, samuyang Ina, kami ampona! O, Maria, inang Peñafrancia Haloy nang panahon parasurog mi ika Samuyang kusog, samuyang ogma Samuyang guiya, sa Kagurangnan ta!

Ni: Ryan Mostar Dati bakong September an pagselebrar kan Peñafrancia Fiesta. July ini puon 1895 sagkod 1904, matapos an rescript ni Pope Leo XIII na nagtakda kan fiesta sa first Sunday nin July. Pero kan Abril 8, 1905, nagpagibo nin petition si Bishop Jorge Barlin asin nagpaluwas si Pope Pius X nin bagong rescript na ibalik an selebrasyon sa September—partikular, sa Domingo pagkatapos kan Octave kan Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. An Nativity ni Maria selebrado kada September 8, kaya an octave nagtatapos sa September 15, asin an Peñafrancia Fiesta iyo an Domingo pagkatapos kaiyan. Kaya an September celebration na pamilyar sa mga Bicolano ngunyan, resulta man palan nin sarong desisyon na ginibo mahigit 120 taon na an nakaagi.

Tigsik ko an kadaklan na mga deboto baga, Buta sa tutuong pagtubod asin pagsamba. Mga diyus diyusan iyo an mas ipig-aaleluya, Kaya man bilog na kinaban nagdudusa na. Tigsik ko saen man na lugar kun nay piyesta, Pagkatapos kan kapagalan grabe an basura, Kaya an mga basurero man pasalamatan ta, Ta mabarata an kapallibutan kun mayu sinda. Tigsik ko an buhay kan mga tawo sa ngunyan, An kadaklan golpe nang namamatian o hilang. Pirmi nang nangungunukuno sa mga hospital. Hull sa masisiram, puro kemikal na pagkakan. Tigsik ko an iba sa mga paratinda kun piyesta, Nasa itaas kan market minababa sa bangketa. Turutagalog magtaram sagin man taga Manila, Kaya, mga parabakal naeenganyar man ninda. Tigsik ko kun traslacon, fluveal procession, An mga boyadores na lasngag na pasalihon. Imbes na magdebosyon, de bote an misyon, Kaya makasupog, makauyam na paghilingon.

By Jordan Domingo The Security Cluster under the Incident Management Team (IMT) has finalized its plans to ensure the safety and security of the public during this year’s Peñafrancia Fiesta celebration. The IMT-Security Cluster is being led by Police Lt. Col. Rizaldy Caballero, acting city director of the Naga City Police Office. Caballero is this year’s Incident Commander of the IMT, together with Lt. Kenny Villafuerte of the Philippine Coast Guard, who serves as co-Incident Commander under the unified command. During the Security Cluster’s command conference, the measures to be undertaken were discussed in detail to achieve its primary objective of ensuring public safety and security throughout the major fiesta celebration. These include traffic management assistance, crowd control operations, and appropriate enforcement actions against violations. Caballero said the Security Cluster’s primary mandate is to respond to any type of emergency, in coordination with other government agencies, including the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Medical Cluster. Also discussed during the conference, which was attended by City Councilor Omar Buenafe and CDRRMO Head Raynor Rodriguez, were the monitoring of border control points and checkpoints, intelligence operations, information operations, and the full deployment of authorities. Aside from the Task Unit for Security, the Security Cluster has Task Units for Peace and Order, Cyber Security, and Emergency Preparedness and Response to ensure focused attention on their respective mandates throughout the extensive fiesta celebration. A total of 2,815 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel are scheduled to be deployed to various areas of Naga City for different assignments and missions. Of this number, 2,010 personnel are augmentation forces from various provinces in the Bicol Region, while 805 are from the Naga City Police Office. For the Traslacion procession on Friday, September 11, the Security Cluster estimates that the crowd could reach one million people. At the Peñafrancia Shrine, Caballero’s group will deploy 33 police personnel, while 730 police officers will be stationed along the various routes of the Traslacion, from the Peñafrancia Shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. The Security Cluster has also identified seven hospitals where patients can be brought in case of emergencies. It has also determined the routes that emergency vehicles can take to ensure that patients can reach hospitals through the fastest and shortest possible routes. The Security Cluster is likewise coordinating with the Medical Cluster regarding the deployment of medical aid teams and ambulances, as well as the establishment of emergency fast lanes during the Traslacion procession. For visiting dignitaries or guests arriving by helicopter, Caballero said a heliport or helispot has been prepared to accommodate helicopter landings and passenger disembarkation. The deployment of fire trucks has also been incorporated into the Security Cluster’s plans to ensure faster and more efficient response by BFP personnel. The Security Cluster strongly reminded the public that, as the Traslacion moves forward, an BJMP inmate transport vehicle will follow at the rear of the procession. The vehicle will be used to transport individuals who may be apprehended for violations during the event. For drone operations during the Traslacion, four PNP units composed of 22 personnel will be deployed in areas where drone operations are authorized. The Security Cluster also reported that more than 20 commercial and public establishments have operational CCTV cameras covering portions of the Traslacion route from the Peñafrancia Shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. Authorities said these facilities will provide significant assistance in maintaining peace and order and in gathering evidence when necessary. The Security Cluster is also monitoring high-rise buildings located along the Traslacion route. These structures will be included among the areas to be closely watched by authorities to ensure the safety and security of the public throughout the procession.

By Paulo DS. Papa THE City Government of Iriga and the Camarines Sur III Electric Cooperative (Casureco III) are locked in a dispute over millions of pesos in unpaid obligations, including the city’s power bill and the cooperative’s real property tax liabilities. Casureco III claims that the City Government of Iriga owes the electric cooperative around P389 million in electricity charges, including principal, interest and penalties. On the other hand, the city government is demanding approximately P125 million from Casureco III in real and property taxes. The figures were disclosed by Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Nelson Legacion, who said the two parties continue to contest the amount of taxes and other obligations payable by the electric cooperative to the local government. Casureco III, according to Legacion, maintains that its tax liability to the city is only about P9 million, substantially lower than the amount being claimed by the Iriga City government. Casureco III, which operates in the Rinconada area, also reportedly has around P100 million in remaining unpaid loans after making payments over the years toward its original debt of approximately P1.2 billion. Legacion said the City Government of Iriga should settle its outstanding electricity bill with Casureco III. “Member-consumers, ordinary people, comply with their payable interest and penalty fees for late payments. The LGU must also follow the same practice,” Legacion said. The dispute has also drawn criticism from some netizens, with social media users blaming the city government for the high cost of its electricity bill and calling on City Hall to settle its obligation to the cooperative. They expressed hope that payment of the outstanding bill could eventually help bring down electricity costs. Meanwhile, mayors from the Rinconada area have signed an endorsement supporting the franchise application of Bicol Light Power Corporation. The mayors identified as having signed the endorsement were Iriga City Mayor Wilfredo Rex Oliva, Baao Mayor Jeffrey Besinio, Nabua Mayor Fernando Simbulan, Buhi Mayor Rey Lacoste, Bula Mayor Manuel Ibasco Jr., Balatan Mayor Domingo Abliter and Bato Mayor Enric Dancalan. The proposed franchise is being pursued through House Bill No. 1084, filed by Camarines Sur Gov. LRay Villafuerte, Rinconada District Rep. Migz Villafuerte, 2nd District Rep. Luigi Villafuerte, 1st District Rep. Hori Horibata and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon. The proposed franchise has drawn attention amid efforts by Villafuerte and his allies to oppose the renewal of Casureco III’s franchise. Legacion described the proposed Bicol Light Power Corporation as untested, noting that the corporation has a reported capitalization of only P5 million. The issue has also involved the National Electrification Administration (NEA), with Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda reportedly backing the renewal of Casureco III’s franchise. The franchise dispute comes as Casureco III and the Iriga City government continue to face questions over their respective financial obligations, with both sides asserting claims involving millions of pesos.

By Ernie Delgado LEGAZPI CITY --- Mayon Volcano in Albay province released on Thursday the second highest level of sulfur dioxide emission since its gas concentrations began decreasing last July 15, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported. In its Friday morning advisory, Phivolcs said the country’s most active volcano emitted 8,165 metric tons of sulfur dioxide. “Volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO₂ gas from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano yesterday, 03 September 2026, reached a very high emission rate of 8,165 tonnes/day based on averaged measurements by stationary UV spectrometry. This is the 2nd highest emission from Mayon recorded since volcanic gas concentrations began decreasing on 16 July 2026,” Phivolcs said. Mayon had been releasing an average rate of 4,196 metric tons per day of SO₂ after the volcano’s alert status was lowered to Level 2 (moderate level of unrest) from Level 3 (increased tendency toward hazardous eruption) last Aug. 5. On Aug. 17, the volcano spewed 8,393 metric tons of SO₂, the highest recorded emission level since the alert level downgrade. A total of 10 volcanic earthquakes were also recorded yesterday by the Mayon Volcano Network. Real-time seismic energy release has been detected in the background, Phivolcs said. Phivolcs “would like to remind the public that Mayon Volcano is at Alert Level 2 but that there are currently new possibilities of eruptive unrest recurring,” the state volcanologist said. Local government units were advised to prepare for a possible increase in volcanic activity, which may result in a return to Alert Level 3. Phivolcs warned that the new phase of eruption could bring serious dangers that include fast-moving flows of hot gas and debris, falling rocks and large chunks of material that might shoot out from the volcano’s crater, and heavy ashfall that could impact communities located downwind of the volcano. Entry into the volcano’s 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone is prohibited for this reason. Pilots are advised to avoid flying near the volcano’s summit, and nearby communities that have experienced lahars and mudflows are told to take precautionary measures during heavy rainfall around the volcano. (PIA Bicol) Mayon Volcano spews ash as captured by a drone on May 2, 2026. (File photo from the Municipality of Camalig, Albay/Facebook)

By Jordan Domingo VOTERS in the Bicol Region may have to wait longer to choose their barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials as the Senate is set to decide this week whether to postpone the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Sunday that senators would discuss the proposed postponement and the possible extension of the terms of barangay and SK officials from four to five years, with a decision expected before the end of the week. The BSKE is currently scheduled for Nov. 2, 2026, but a Senate proposal seeks to move the elections to October 2027. Another measure seeks to amend the law and set the term of barangay and SK officials at five years. For Bicol voters, the proposed reset could mean an additional year before they can elect new barangay and SK leaders, including officials who directly oversee community-level programs and services. Gatchalian said extending the officials’ terms could save government the cost of conducting one election cycle. The Commission on Elections (Comelec), however, has already spent about P8 billion of its P19-billion BSKE budget, raising questions about the financial implications of postponing the polls. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said some election supplies, including indelible ink, could be used even if the BSKE is postponed. Gatchalian also acknowledged a disadvantage of extending the officials’ terms: voters would have to wait longer to replace barangay officials whom they consider ineffective or frequently absent. Senator Francis Escudero has filed Senate Bill No. 2387, which seeks to extend the terms of barangay and SK officials to five years, while Senator Imee Marcos filed Senate Bill No. 2067, seeking to move the BSKE from November 2026 to October 2027. A Senate panel approved the proposed measures in August. However, the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) have opposed the postponement, citing the Comelec's preparations, fiscal concerns and the need to respect the scheduled election. Gatchalian said the Senate must act soon because the filing of certificates of candidacy for the BSKE is scheduled toward the end of September, while the proposed measures would still have to pass through a bicameral conference committee, ratification by both chambers and publication before taking effect. For Bicol voters, the Senate's decision this week could determine whether they will cast their ballots for new barangay and SK officials as scheduled on Nov. 2—or wait until October 2027.

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY – The Naga City government has suspended classes and work in government offices on several dates this month to help ensure public safety and manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic during major activities of the 2026 Peñafrancia Festival. Mayor Maria Leonor Robredo issued Executive Order 044, series of 2026, citing road closures and the expected movement of vehicles and pedestrians during major processions and civic events. The order said the 2026 Peñafrancia Incident Management Team and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office recommended the suspensions to ensure public safety, maintain order, and facilitate traffic management during the festival. The Department of Education - Schools Division Office Naga City also recommended the class suspensions to allow students and teachers to participate in the city's religious and civic activities. Classes in all public and private primary and secondary schools in Naga City are suspended on Sept. 11 for the Peñafrancia Traslacion Procession; Sept. 17 for the Scouts Parade and DXMC Competition, Civic and Float Parade, and Peñafrancia Voyadores Street and Pilgrims Dance Competition; Sept. 18, a special non-working holiday in the city; and Sept. 21 for the Post-Peñafrancia Rest and Recovery Day. The Sept. 21 suspension applies only to primary and secondary schools to provide students time to rest and recover following the festival activities. For tertiary institutions, classes are suspended on the same dates, except Sept. 21. Classes in all public and private tertiary schools are also suspended on Sept. 19 for the Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession, taking into consideration that some colleges and universities hold regular classes on Saturdays. Work in government offices within Naga City is also suspended on Sept. 11, 17, 18, and 19, corresponding to the Traslacion, civic and float parade activities, special non-working holiday, and Fluvial Procession. The suspension does not cover government personnel performing essential functions, including peace and order, traffic enforcement, disaster risk reduction and management, health and sanitation, and other vital services. Heads of government offices may also require employees to report for duty when public service needs demand. The city government also encouraged private-sector employers to suspend work on the specified dates in coordination with their safety and health committees, safety officers, or other responsible personnel for the safety and convenience of their employees. (PNA)