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Marhay na aldaw po, Atty. Si kapitbahay mi po nagkudal sa agihan na haloy mi nang ginagamit pasiring sa samong harong. Dahil digdi, nagkaigwa kami nin iriwal. Bago ako magsangat nin kaso sa korte para mabawi ang posesyon kan daga, kaipuhan ko daw po na iatubang an bagay na ini sa barangay? Kun direkta po akong magsangat nin kaso sa korte na dai nag-agi sa barangay mediation, ano po an epekto kaiyan sa sakong kaso? ----- Sa kadaklan na kaso na tungkol sa mga indibidwal na nakaistar sa parehong siyudad o munisipyo, an batas nag oobliga na mag-agi nguna nin barangay conciliation sa irarom kan sistemang Katarungang Pambarangay bago magsangat nin kaso sa korte. An iriwal na sinabi mo tungkol sa pagkudal kan agihan saka pagbawi posesyon kang daga kung mayo man hinahagad na injunction o restraining order ay sarong halimbawa nin civil case na kaipohan isairarom sa barangay conciliation. An purpose kani matawan nin pagkakataon an mga partido na maresolbar an saindang iriwal sa mapayapang paagi na dai na kaipuhan magkaso sa korte. Kun magsangat ka nin kaso direkta sa korte na dai nag-agi sa barangay, an kaso puwedeng idismiss kan korte. An simbag na ini para sana sa pankagabsan na impormasyon asin dai dapat ituring na legal advice para sa partikular na kaso. Kung may mga kahaputan, mag email sa ihapotkiattorney@gmail.com

By Naga City Arts and Culture Coalition, Inc. - Cultural Heritage Sector In 2026, Naga City will mark a significant milestone: The bicentennial of the old Spanish-era storehouse (Almacen) of the Administracion del Correo complex. These two buildings are testament to Naga City’s place in history as the Third Spanish Royal City, after Manila and Cebu. Yet as this bicentennial approaches, the future of one of the city’s most important historic landmarks remains uncertain. The images tell a powerful story. In 2010, the ruins stood visibly against the landscape—a silent witness to two centuries of Naga’s history. Today, a large commercial development threatens to dominate the site, potentially obstructing the public view of the ruins and diminishing their cultural presence within the urban environment. This issue is not merely about preserving old walls. Heritage conservation is about protecting the stories, identity, and collective memory that define a community. Historic structures serve as physical links between generations. Once the visual connection to a landmark is lost, a city loses more than a view—it loses part of its narrative. Naga’s claim to being the Heart of the Region holds true when it does not set aside its roots in history and culture. Naga, after all, has declared the preservation of heritage and culture as one of its eight pillars of developmental framework in its Finish Lines 2028. Around the world, successful heritage cities have demonstrated that economic development and conservation can coexist. Cities such as Vigan and Silay have embraced development while ensuring that historic structures remain visible, accessible, and central to the public realm. Their heritage districts are now cultural assets that attract tourism, investment, and civic pride. The Almacen represents a rare surviving example of nineteenth-century colonial architecture in the Bikol Region. Its value extends beyond architecture; it embodies the political, social, and institutional history of Naga City. These ruins should become a centerpiece of remembrance rather than a backdrop hidden behind commercial structures. Conservation does not necessarily mean halting development. It means planning responsibly. Building setbacks, heritage view corridors, landscaped buffers, interpretive parks, and adaptive reuse strategies can allow new projects to proceed while respecting the historical significance of the site. These solutions have been successfully implemented in many heritage cities and demonstrate that preservation and progress are not mutually exclusive. Naga can choose to showcase its heritage proudly, allowing future generations to see and appreciate a landmark that has endured for two centuries. Or it can allow short-term development decisions to obscure an irreplaceable piece of the city’s identity. As Naga marches through the pathway of progress, the question is not whether development should proceed or not. Pending the results of a plebiscite, Naga is bound to be declared a Highly Urbanized City. This is inevitable in the same manner that our rootedness in history is irreplaceable. The question is whether development will honor the history that made the city what it is today. Saving the view of the Naga ruins is ultimately about preserving the soul of the city itself.

BIKOLNON poet and filmmaker Kristian Sendon Cordero has been selected as one of the fellows for textual practice (literature and language) for the 2027 cycle of the prestigious Akademie Schloss Solitude Fellowship in Stuttgart, Germany. In a letter conveyed by Dr. Anne Fleckstein, Cordero is entitled to a nine-month residency in Germany beginning January 2027. Every two years, the Akademie Schloss Solitude awards residential fellowships to around 50 to 60 international artists, scholars, and cultural professionals across disciplines. Designed to foster focused creative work, interdisciplinary exchange, and international collaboration, the fellowship is recognized globally as one of Europe’s important residency programs for contemporary artistic and intellectual practice. For the 2027 cycle, more than 5,000 applications from 120 countries were submitted. Out of this highly competitive field, Cordero emerged as one of the selected fellows under the textual category, the first Bikolano to gain such recognition. Cordero occupies a singular and dynamic position in contemporary Philippine arts and culture. A poet, fictionist, essayist, translator, independent filmmaker, publisher, and bookseller, he has become one of the most influential literary and cultural voices working from the regions today. Writing from the languages and landscapes of Bikol and Rinconada, his body of work has continually challenged the boundaries of regional literature and expanded conversations around language, readership, memory, and cultural identities. Across poetry, cinema, translation, and publishing, Cordero’s creative practice reflects the rare interdisciplinarity. His works transform language into a modicum of resistance, reinvention, and historical imagination while remaining deeply rooted in local realities and community engagement. At a time when much of Philippine literary production remains centered in urban spaces like Manila, Cordero’s career demonstrates how regional artistic practices can generate national and global significance without abandoning their linguistic and cultural origins. He has written and edited numerous collections in Filipino, Bikol, and Rinconada, with two of his books receiving the National Book Award for Poetry in Filipino and Poetry in Bikol in 2014. In 2017, he received the Southeast Asian Writers Award (S.E.A. Write Award), one of the region’s highest literary honors. He was also named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines for his contributions to arts and literature in 2022. Beyond his literary achievements, Cordero has distinguished himself as a cultural innovator and institution-builder. He founded Savage Mind, an independent bookstore and cultural space in Naga City that has become an important hub for writers, artists, filmmakers, and readers from the region. He also founded the Bikol Book Festival, now on its fifth iteration, which has emerged as one of the country’s most significant regional literary festivals dedicated to local languages, publishing, and cross-regional cultural exchanges. Most recently, he co-directed the Travel Writing Workshop in Bikol in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Manila, continuing his commitment to creating bold and imaginative platforms for literary and artistic dialogue. The Akademie Schloss Solitude Fellowship marks another milestone in Cordero’s continuing engagement with international cultural communities while affirming the vitality of regional literature and artistic practice from the Philippines. His selection signals not only personal achievement but also a growing recognition of Bikol languages, literature, and creative practices within global conversations on contemporary art and culture.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ First Reading: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a Responsorial Psalm Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 R. (12) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 Gospel Reading: John 6:51-58 Jesus said to the Jewish crowds: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world." The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever."

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat "You are, first of all, sent to seek the Kingdom of God." This was the message of Ateneo de Naga University President Fr. Aristotle Dy, SJ at the Baccalaureate Mass of the 75th Commencement Exercises last May 29. Addressing thousands of graduates at the University Covered Courts, Dy spoke of what it truly means to be men and women for others. He urged the graduates to be compassionate, gentle and kind as they enter a world that is wounded by polarization, and lack of wisdom and truth. "The world needs compassionate people," he said. "People whose intelligence is guided by conscience." Dy also called them to be persons through whom others will encounter God. "The challenge is not only to do things for others, but to become persons through whom others experience the love of God." He also spoke of discernment. Closing his homily, Dy cautioned the graduates that the road ahead will not be easy. Jesus did not promise clarity nor instant success, rather the promise is this: "God will not be absent in your searching". So ask, seek and knock, he said. "Atenean formation speaks not only of excellence, but of discernment. The ability to recognize where God is calling you to love more deeply and serve more generously." In this age of AI, Dy also told the graduates that "the deepest test of [their] education will be how much humanity [they] preserve". University President Fr. Aristotle Dy, S.J. presides over the Baccalaureate Mass at the Ateneo de Naga University Covered Courts, May 29, Friday. (Photo credit: Ateneo de Naga University/Facebook)

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat In the midst of the ongoing local political and economic crises, and global peace issues, Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi sought prayer, discernment and participation in works of charity and political reforms, including support for the People’s Initiative by the Dapat Isa Lang movement. In his recent pastoral letter, Baylon lamented how God’s will is neglected in today’s political and economic landscapes, and decried the rampant growth of graft and corruption, lack of accountability and truth, and current abuse of power. “As the gap between politics and public service widens, political reforms are not sustained, economic progress slows, and many of our people, especially the poor, are conditioned to depend on patronage and ayuda rather than being empowered to participate fully in their own development,” he said. With these realities shaping society today, Baylon called for personal and communal conversion, formation and discernment sessions, and active involvement in reforms. “Let us repent for our own participation in corruption, dishonesty and indifference to the plight of our neighbor,” the Bishop said, advocating for social justice and highlighting the values of humility and goodness. He also encouraged praying and reflecting on the “Nation’s Prayer for Enlightenment, Conversion and Renewal”. He urged parishes, schools, communities, and families to hold formation and discernment sessions, aimed at forming one’s conscience and instilling good citizenship rooted in Christian values. “Let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning truth from falsehood, good from evil and the right course of action from what merely serves partisan interests,” the Bishop wrote. During this difficult time, Baylon also encouraged outreach activities, community pantries, livelihood support, and assistance in accessing government social services for those affected by the current economic situation and the ongoing impact of Mayon’s volcanic activity. In the face of all these ongoing social realities, Baylon underscored the vital role of addressing the main causes of poverty and injustice, calling for vigilance and active participation in seeking integrity, transparency, accountability, and good governance from those in public service, including those who serve the Church. Closing his letter, the Bishop hoped that “these efforts may become concrete expressions of [their] journey as a synodal Church”. Entitled “Imploring the Aid of Almighty God”, the pastoral letter was issued last May 31, on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. The titles comes from the Preamble to the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

By Jonnie M. Dulfo & Adriell B. Soreta As part of its continuing preparations for the celebration of 450 years of faith and Christian community, the St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Bula, Camarines Sur recently gathered parishioners, devotees and local residents in three meaningful events that highlighted the Parish’s rich heritage, vibrant devotion and strong sense of community. Under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Rolando Canonce, Parish Priest, the celebrations were designed not only to commemorate the Parish’s historic milestone but also to deepen appreciation for the spiritual and cultural treasures that have shaped generations of Bulaceños. The activities opened with Pagsalingoy, a Parish thanksgiving and fellowship gathering that brought families, organizations and church workers together in a joyful evening of gratitude. Highlighted by the Santacruzan and moments of communal sharing, the event celebrated the enduring bonds of faith that continue to unite the parish community. The following day, parishioners gathered for the Grand Flores de Mayo, a vibrant expression of Marian devotion. Children, youth, catechists, and families participated in faith formation activities, a Living Rosary, Marian coronation, and a solemn procession in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The celebration served as a reminder that devotion remains a living tradition passed on from one generation to the next. Completing the series of activities was “SaySay Bula: An Istorya kan Simbahan sa Bula,” a symposium that explored the history of the local Church and its role in shaping the town’s identity. Through stories, historical accounts and reflections, participants gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices, faith and perseverance of those who built and sustained the Parish through the centuries. For Fr. Canonce, preserving history and nurturing devotion go hand-in-hand. As the Parish approaches its 450th year, efforts continue to ensure that both the tangible heritage of the Church and the living faith of its people remain cherished and strengthened. More than commemorative events, these celebrations reflect a faith community looking back with gratitude and moving forward with renewed commitment, carrying the legacy of St. Mary Magdalene Parish to the generations yet to come. Photo credit: St. Mary Magdalene Parish/Facebook

By Paulo DS Papa The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) has pledged legal assistance to the bereaved family of Roselle Bandojo, a 17-year-old high school student who was found dead and in a state of decomposition in a grassy, abandoned lot at the corner of Acacia Street, Barangay Liboton, Naga City on July 28, 2023. Days before her lifeless body was discovered, Bandojo was reported missing after she went out to buy food items at a convenience store along Peñafrancia Avenue, Barangay Peñafrancia, in the same city. On August 25, 2023, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), together with the Philippine National Police and the victim’s family, filed documents before the City Prosecutor’s Office, lodging robbery and homicide complaints against Enzo Purisima, then 23, a pedicab driver from Molave Street, Barangay Liboton. Purisima was later arrested on December 14, 2023, during an anti-illegal drugs buy-bust operation in Barangay Peñafrancia. He is currently detained after being charged for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. However, the prosecutor’s office dismissed the complaint against him due to insufficient evidence linking him to the killing of Bandojo. On July 23 last year, the victim’s family said that a petition for review filed by the NBI before the Department of Justice remains pending and has yet to be acted upon. On June 1 this year, the VACC announced its assistance to the family in their pursuit of justice, aiming to help expedite the resolution of the case and secure conviction of the suspect in Bandojo’s killing. The Bicol Mail made efforts to reach the Bandojo family for comment, but they declined interview requests as their residence remained closed to media inquiries. Sulpicio Alferez III, principal of the Camarines Sur National High School where Bandojo studied, said in an interview that the school administration has been seeking updates on the case but expressed disappointment over its slow progress. Alferez also said that authorities tasked to pursue the case appeared to have made limited progress in securing a conviction. He added, however, that he remains hopeful that the involvement of VACC will help advance the pursuit of justice, which has remained unresolved for nearly three years. Meanwhile, VACC volunteer Atty. Caloy Cortez Jr. currently serves as legal counsel for the Bandojo family.

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- At least PHP5.5 million worth of fish catch, fishing equipment, vessels and other evidence were confiscated, and 97 individuals were arrested for violations of fisheries and environmental laws in May 2026, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported Tuesday. Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda, PRO-5 director, said most of the 51 anti-illegal fishing operations were conducted in the coastal provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate and Sorsogon — areas known for their rich marine biodiversity and vital fishing industries. "Every violator apprehended, and every illegal fishing activity prevented, contributes to the preservation of our marine resources and the protection of the livelihoods of our fisherfolk," Miranda said in a statement. He lauded the dedication and hard work of police personnel, maritime units and partner agencies working together to protect the region's coastal resources. PRO-5 will further enhance its anti-illegal fishing campaign through sustained coastal patrols, increased maritime visibility, intelligence-driven enforcement, environmental awareness programs and closer coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), local government units, and other stakeholders. The operations were made possible by strengthened coordination among government agencies, LGUs, coastal communities, fisherfolk organizations, and concerned citizens who provided timely information and support. Miranda also said they support information and education campaigns aimed at promoting responsible fishing practices, raising awareness of fisheries laws and encouraging coastal communities to become active partners in environmental protection. (PNA) ANTI-ILLEGAL FISHING. Some of the 97 individuals arrested and PHP5.5 million worth of confiscated fish catch and equipment from anti-illegal fishing operations in Bicol in May 2026 are shown in this photo. Most of the 51 operations were conducted in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Masbate and Sorsogon. (Photo courtesy of PRO-5)

By Sally A. Altea LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- More than 6,400 farmers have received emergency cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after losing crops and income because of ashfall from Mayon Volcano.The assistance was provided in accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that affected families and communities receive immediate support amid the ongoing volcanic activity in Albay. “The President’s instruction is very clear. The national government, particularly the DSWD, stands behind the province of Albay to ensure that if there is anything more needed, the DSWD is here to provide assistance,” Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said during his recent visit to Albay. The DSWD provided P10,230 each to 6,411 farmers from various areas, including Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, Malilipot, Guinobatan, Daraga, Camalig, Legazpi City, Ligao City, and Tabaco City, under the Emergency Cash Transfer program. Romero Binaraba, a 65-year-old farmer from Barangay Mapaco in Guinobatan, expressed his gratitude to the DSWD and plans to use the aid to purchase animal feed, as ashfall has contaminated the forage for his livestock “We are happy for the assistance from the president. We will buy feed for our animals because their food has been affected by volcanic ash,” he said. Nolan Oraa, 55, from Muladbucad Pequeño in Guinobatan, said that the financial help will support him in recovering from the losses caused by ashfall, which damaged his chili, eggplant, onion, and rice crops. “Thank you very much, President Bongbong Marcos. This assistance is a significant help for us farmers to support our families and recover from what we’ve endured due to the Mayon Volcano,” he said. Belma Abilino, 69, a farmer from Barangay Sua in Camalig, also expressed her appreciation for the government’s aid. She mentioned that she plans to buy fertilizer to save her crops that have withered due to the heavy ashfall from Mayon Volcano. “We are grateful that the assistance has reached us,” Abilino said. Gatchalian assured residents that the government is prepared to continue providing assistance while Mayon Volcano remains active. “As I told the people of Albay, including the governor, congressmen, and our mayors, under the directive of President Marcos, the DSWD continues to closely monitor the situation in Mayon Volcano,” Gatchalian said. “We stand ready to support the people of Albay not just in terms of immediate relief but also in early recovery,” he added. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA Bicol/Albay)

QUEZON CITY, June 2, 2026 – The Social Security System (SSS) today begins the early rollout of the second tranche of the Pension Reform Program (PRP) to 4.1 million pensioners, advancing the originally scheduled September pension increase to provide SSS pensioners with earlier financial relief. Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission (SSC) Chair Frederick D. Go and SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said the agency is releasing approximately ₱6 billion in additional pension benefits from June to August 2026 to help pensioners cope with inflationary pressures and higher energy costs. “We are releasing the second tranche of pension increases ahead of schedule to support millions of pensioners and their families, helping them meet their daily needs and enjoy greater financial security sooner,” Go said. “With the early implementation, we hope to provide timely relief to our pensioners and their families as they continue to face every day financial challenges,” de Claro said. He explained that SSS pensioners as of May 31, 2026, will be eligible to receive the pension hike beginning June 1, 2026, while those whose contingencies fall between June 1 and August 31, 2026, will receive their increased pension starting September 1, 2026. Under the second tranche of the PRP, retirement and disability pensioners will receive a 10% increase in their monthly pensions, while death and survivor pensioners will receive a 5% increase. “We recognize that rising prices and economic uncertainty continue to place pressure on Filipino families and businesses,” de Claro added. “Through the PRP, SSS ensures that our pensioners have access to timely, affordable and reliable financial support when they need it most.” The PRP is the first-ever multi-year pension increase in SSS history. Under the program, pensioners will receive annual increases in their pensions every September from 2025 to 2027.

By Connie Calipay LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Information and Communications Technology in Bicol (DICT-5) will distribute more than 22,000 Bayanihan SIM cards to students and schools in eight primary schools across the region as the 2026-2027 school year begins. In a Kapihan forum on Monday, DICT-5 officer-in-charge and regional director Christian Roy Melad said the distribution will commence next week. “For the Bayanihan SIM card distribution scheduled next week, we will be distributing 2,780 SIM cards per primary school, for a total of 22,240 SIM cards,” he said. The SIM cards will be distributed at Segundina Rivera Elementary School in San Pascual and Lahong Elementary School in Baleno, both in Masbate; Tanag Elementary School in Libmanan, Camarines Sur; and Bololo Elementary School in Guinobatan, Albay. Also benefiting from the program are the Bulala Elementary School and San Pedro Elementary School in Panganiban, both in Camarines Norte; and Bagacay Elementary School in Gubat and Tinanogan Elementary School in Donsol, both in Sorsogon. Melad said the additional 22,000 SIM cards form part of the latest phase of the program. “For Phase 1, DICT-5 was able to accomplish 100 percent distribution, or 36,140 SIM cards, to 63 schools in underserved areas, particularly those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged locations,” he said. He added that the initiative has expanded access to education, learning resources, emergency services, and digital opportunities. SIM card beneficiaries were identified through coordination with various national government agencies. “We depend on the list of areas given to us and validate whether the signal in those areas is adequate. It is not the DICT that directly determines the beneficiaries,” Melad said. Engineer Odine Raphael Areola, DICT focal person for the Free WiFi project, said that in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to the DICT Secretary, more than 3,000 Free WiFi locations, with nearly 10,000 internet sites, will be installed in Bicol by 2026, with public schools as a priority. “With the additional WiFi sites, more than 70 percent of public schools in the region will be WiFi-connected, along with other public places, including government and educational institutions, rural health units and tourist destinations,” he said. (PNA)