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Good Morning Buhi, Sta. Elena, Buhi (2025)

28/10/2025

| A renewed spirit of patriotism and civic duty filled the air as the Knights of Rizal (KOR) Buhi Chapter held its Rechartering and Knighting Ceremony on October 25, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s revival in Buhi, Camarines Sur.

The solemn knighthood ceremony took place at the Sangguniang Bayan of Buhi session hall at 3 p.m., where 16 new members were formally inducted into the Order. The rites were officiated by delegates from the KOR Supreme Council, led by incoming Supreme Commander Sir Emmanuel Calairo.

Leading the roster of newly confirmed knights were Mayor Rey Lacoste, Vice Mayor Christian Echipare, and Councilors Renz Nonato and Eddie Mesalucha. They were joined by prominent professionals including Principal Erwin Ay-Ad, Irineo Cas, Darwin Casano, Architect Jomari Claveria, Dr. Junjun Espiritu, Jhon Prospero, Isidro Ariel Nieva Jr., former Comelec Officer Jaime Pantorgo, former Municipal Health Officer Dr. Breandovin Saez, Atty. Joseph Ceasar Sahurda, Atty. Sharik Salvo, and Engr. Rico Sumalabe. Councilor Michael Angelo Lacoste and cultural worker Ryan Cuatrona was unable to attend the event as they were both on travel.

Later that evening, at 7 p.m., the celebration continued at Buhi Rizal Park with the unveiling ceremony and signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Rizal Park Restoration Project—an initiative dedicated to preserving the legacy of Dr. José Rizal and revitalizing one of the town’s most treasured landmarks.

According to Chapter Commander Atty. Sharik Salvo, the revival of the KOR Buhi Chapter was made possible through the initiative of Dr. Frandioben “Jun” Sergio Saez, PT, DPT, a former KOR commander in the United States. Dr. Saez personally reached out to and recruited the new knights, continuing his family’s legacy of civic service and patriotism.

Dr. Saez is the son of the late former Vice Mayor and KOR Chapter Commander Benjamin Saez, who led the construction of the iconic “Lampara ni Rizal” and the Buhinon translation of Rizal’s “Mi Último Adiós” mural at the park.

“This project has been two years in the making,” Dr. Saez shared. “Each time I came home to Buhi, we held meetings to discuss how we could rehabilitate Rizal Park and inspire the youth toward patriotism, service, and love of country.”

He added that the Rizal Park Rehabilitation Plan was presented to Mayor Lacoste, who immediately approved the proposal. “Our goal is to restore and beautify the park—to make it a clean, safe, and inspiring place where people can reconnect with our national hero’s ideals,” he said.

Mayor Lacoste and Vice Mayor Echipare have both pledged to include a ₱2 million allocation in the 2026 municipal budget for the park’s restoration, with visible improvements expected in the coming years. As an initial step, the KOR Buhi Chapter have already begun restoration work, including the installation of park lighting and the repainting of Rizal memorabilia, as a jumpstart to the project.

Founded in 1911, the Knights of Rizal is the only order of knighthood in the Philippines officially recognized by the government under Republic Act 646. The organization continues to uphold the ideals and teachings of Dr. José Rizal through leadership, civic service, and cultural advocacy, with chapters established across the nation and around the world.

27/10/2025

I The proposed Local Expenditure Program (LEP) of the Municipality of Buhi amounting to ₱411,270,506.45 for Fiscal Year 2026 has been formally submitted by Mayor Rey P. Lacoste to the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) on October 16, 2025, for authorization.

Municipal Budget Officer Ely Yapan reported that the 2026 proposed budget reflects an increase of ₱39.18 million, or about 10.53%, compared to the 2025 budget of ₱372.08 million.

The total revenue program for 2026 is projected at ₱411.3 million, inclusive of the tentative National Tax Allotment (NTA), Yapan added.

In his budget message, Mayor Lacoste described the proposed spending plan as “a financial blueprint guiding the municipality’s programs and projects toward sustainable development, inclusive growth, and improved quality of life for every Boînën.”

The 2026 budget prioritizes infrastructure and environmental projects, including the rehabilitation of road networks, solid waste management improvements, and the establishment of an LGU-owned engineered sanitary landfill. It also funds the construction and upgrading of barangay halls, parks, plazas, comfort rooms, and streetlights to promote community participation and good governance.

A significant share of the budget is allotted to health and social services, such as facility upgrades for rural health units, procurement of medical equipment, and hiring of additional health personnel. Programs on maternal and child care, nutrition, and disease prevention, along with support for senior citizens, PWDs, and marginalized families, remain top priorities.

Mayor Lacoste assured that the budget was crafted with prudence, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, while also enhancing personnel benefits and professional development to boost employee performance and morale.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Christian Echipare said the proposed budget has been referred to the Sangguniang Bayan, acting as a Committee of the Whole, for deliberation on October 29, with the Local Finance Committee and department heads invited to participate in the review.

Echipare added that he will encourage Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to take part in the budget scrutiny, as envisioned in the Budget Operations Manual, to promote a more transparent and participatory budgeting process.

Pursuant to the Local Government Code, the Sangguniang Bayan is expected to authorize the 2026 Municipal Budget and enact the corresponding Appropriation Ordinance before the end of the current fiscal year.

Photo: Part of the cover page of the 2026 Budget documents

26/10/2025

I The rich poetic heritage of Buhi, Camarines Sur, resonated on the global stage as Ryan C. Cuatrona, a renowned Bikolnon artist, cultural worker, and educator, proudly delivered a Boinen version of “Tigsik” during the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, held from October 15 to 19 at the Frankfurt Trade Fair Grounds.

Cuatrona, part of the Philippine delegation invited as Guests of Honour, joined fellow Filipino artists in the special program “Poetry for Freedom, Justice, and Peace” on October 17 at the Arena Stage of the Philippine Pavilion.

In that performance, various traditional poetic forms from across the Philippines were showcased: Dorian Merina performed the Ivatan “laji,” Renato Evangelista recited the Mangyan “ambahan,” while Fr. Albert Alejo, S.J. delivered his stirring piece “Sanayan Lang ang Pagpatay.”

For his part, Cuatrona brought the voice of Buhi to the world through a Boinen/Bwinen “tigsik” — a traditional form of toast and poetic expression — written by Fr. Wilmer Joseph S. Tria in Bicol, translated into Bwînen, the language of Buhi, by Mrs. Edith Equizabal, and personally trained by Ms. Genevieve Ilarde Ailes via online sessions from Buhi.

“This tigsik needs little explanation, as it speaks for itself—it reflects the current Filipino experience of corruption,” Cuatrona shared, emphasizing the poem’s social relevance and cultural depth.

The performance was both a celebration of local language and a reflection of national conscience — blending art, activism, and identity. The audience, composed of international guests, responded with admiration for the musicality of the Bwînen tongue and the emotional honesty of the verses.

Below is the Boinen “Tigsik ko a Pilipinas”, which Cuatrona performed in Germany — a powerful poetic statement on the ironies of wealth, corruption, and resilience in the Filipino spirit:

Tigsik ko a Pilipinas
by Fr. Wilmer Joseph S. Tria
Translated into Bwînen by Mrs. Edith Equizabal

Tigsik ko a Pilipinas
Punô buayang maunas
Sa rarak’pan, matinglas
Sa irikitan, makaskas
Kaya makangangalas
Mayaman ana Pilipinas
Alagad, ëda makaurualpas
Sa pagtiës apës maapas

Tigsik ko ana Kongreso
Pati man ading Senado
Nagin lëlëman man intiro
Nin mga madayâ ag paslë

Tigsik ko ana Pilipino
Indî pinabasang libro
Kaya nagin tawo-tawo
Nyading politokong korapto

Kaya dî maintindiyan
Uno ana kaustuwan
Kin sa bukid agko bulawan
Sira-sira sana nagkakairisiyan

Tigsik ko mga proyekto
Palainlain ana maligno
Sa sakandang mga patrabaho
Ëda pagkaisi ana publiko

Kin indî pa nagbaâ
Pirang aldaw punaw, paâ
Yo sakandang mga ënâ-ënâ
Nagin dâ patëd na luâ

Mga tiës na Pilipino
Nibilang mga sensilyo
Baga nagisantorosaryo
Malâ, ëdâ sinëgnad dawâ uno

Mabalos bayâ sa mga ayuda
Dawâ malaabâ ading pila
Alagad politikong kontratista
Amo man sana a bida

From Buhi’s quiet lakeside town to the cultural halls of Frankfurt, Cuatrona’s tigsik proved that local voices can speak powerfully about universal truths.

His performance not only honored the Buhinon language but also reminded the world that poetry remains one of the strongest vessels for truth and justice.

“In every line, I carried Buhi with me — our language, our struggles, and our hopes,” Cuatrona said.

The Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 marked another milestone for Filipino literature and culture, with Cuatrona’s tigsik standing as a proud testament that even the smallest languages can leave a resounding echo in the biggest stages of the world.

photo: Ryan Cuatrona, Frankfurt Book Fair, Germany

26/10/2025

GMB News Recap - Oct 20-25, 2025

24/10/2025

I Isang malaking hamon ngayon ang kinakaharap ng bayan ng Buhi matapos ipatigil ng lokal na pamahalaan ang koleksyon ng residual wastes dahil sa rehabilitasyon ng Municipal Temporary Residual Containment Area (MTRCA) sa Barangay Salvacion. Ang utos na ito, bagaman may mabuting layunin, ay nagdulot ng pangamba sa mga Punong Barangay at mamamayan.

Ang tanong ng marami: handa ba talaga ang ating bayan sa ganitong sitwasyon?

Habang isinasagawa ang rehabilitasyon, inatasan ng Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) ang mga barangay na pansamantalang mag-imbak ng basura sa kani-kanilang Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). Ngunit sa kakulangan ng espasyo at kagamitan, nagiging malaking problema ang pag-iimbak, lalo na ng mga nabubulok at residual wastes gaya ng diapers at sanitary napkins.

Hindi maikakaila na may pananagutan din ang mga mamamayan sa tamang paghihiwalay ng basura. Ngunit higit sa lahat, tungkulin ng lokal na pamahalaan na tiyaking tuloy-tuloy ang pangongolekta at ligtas ang pagtatapon ng basura. Ang paghinto sa koleksyon nang walang sapat na alternatibong pasilidad ay malinaw na kakulangan sa pagpaplano.

Ang Republic Act 9003 ay matagal nang umiiral, ngunit hanggang ngayon, tila hindi pa rin lubos na naipatutupad sa maraming barangay. Ang katotohanang wala pa ring naitatayong sanitary landfill ay patunay na kulang ang konkretong aksyon upang maisaayos ang sistema ng waste management.

Ang pagdami ng basura sa mga kalsada ay hindi lamang isyu ng kalinisan — ito ay banta sa kalusugan, sa turismo, at sa imahe ng ating bayan.

Panahon na para itigil ang temporaryo at simulan ang pangmatagalang solusyon. Dapat nang seryosohin ng lokal na pamahalaan ang pagtatayo ng maayos na pasilidad sa pagtatapon ng basura, at sabayan ito ng mas malawak na edukasyon sa segregation at recycling.

Ang kalinisan ng Buhi ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng iilan. Ito ay tungkulin ng bawat isa — ngunit dapat magsimula sa pamumuno ng mga nasa kapangyarihan.

Kung nais nating manatiling maayos, malinis, at ligtas ang ating bayan, dapat nang kumilos ngayon — bago tuluyang malugmok sa krisis ang ating kapaligiran.

24/10/2025

👀 📷𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: An ironic sight in Barangay San Roque — a sign says "Bawal Magtapon ng Basura Dito! (No Dumping of Garbage Here!), yet piles of trash are visible underneath it.

23/10/2025

I We asked the Punong Barangay of Santa Clara, Hon. Rudyard Pesimo, for a statement regarding the temporary suspension of garbage collection by the LGU-Buhi. Pesimo gave a full statement, which we will publish here:

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗪𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗨𝗛𝗜 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗭𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗚𝗨-𝗕𝗨𝗛𝗜 𝗔𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬 𝗥𝗔 𝟵𝟬𝟬𝟯 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗 𝗪𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟬𝟬

Hon. Rudyard Contreras Pesimo 𝘗𝘶𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘺, 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘢, 𝘉𝘶𝘩𝘪, 𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘚𝘶𝘳

𝑨 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕: 𝑾𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑯𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝑩𝒖𝒉𝒊
The recent Temporary Suspension of LGU-Buhi Residual Waste Collection, as communicated through the official letter from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) dated October 20, 2025, has raised grave concerns about public health, sanitation, and environmental governance in the Municipality of Buhi. The letter, signed by MENRO Mr. Edwin C. Salvamante, EnP and noted by Municipal Mayor Hon. Rey P. Lacoste, states: “In view of the temporary closure and ongoing rehabilitation of the Municipal Temporary Residual Containment Area (MTRCA) located at EcoPark, Zone 6, Barangay Salvacion, Buhi, Camarines Sur, the collection of residual waste by LGU-Buhi shall be temporarily suspended effective October 20, 2025.”

𝑸𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒍 𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒔: 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝑹𝑨 𝟗𝟎𝟎𝟑 𝑰𝑹𝑹
The same letter cites Section 3 (Collection and Transfer) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 9003, stating that: “The barangay shall be responsible for ensuring that 100% collection efficiency from residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sources, where necessary within its area of coverage, is achieved.” It further enjoins all barangays to strengthen their Solid Waste Management Systems and ensure the operation of Barangay Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) during the suspension period. While the intent to promote barangay-level initiatives is commendable, the invocation of Section 3 of the IRR is misleading and incomplete.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒂𝒘 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑺𝒂𝒚𝒔: 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑳𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚
Under Section 10 of Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the collection and disposal of non-recyclable or residual wastes are the clear and express responsibilities of the municipal or city government—not the barangays. Barangays are mandated only to handle the segregation and collection of biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable wastes within their jurisdiction. Therefore, the temporary suspension of LGU-Buhi’s residual waste collection is a direct failure of the municipal government to perform its mandated function, regardless of the temporary closure of the MTRCA.

𝑵𝒐 𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑰𝒏𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝑳𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒖𝒕𝒚
The closure or rehabilitation of a disposal site—though necessary for compliance—should not result in the suspension of collection services. The LGU must adopt alternative and contingency measures, such as contracting an accredited private hauler or establishing an interim transfer facility, to ensure continuous collection and proper disposal of residual wastes. By failing to do so, the MENRO’s decision effectively shifts the burden to the barangays—many of which, particularly those in the Poblacion area, lack space, logistics, and technical capacity to safely store or manage residual waste. This not only endangers public health and environmental safety but also contradicts both the spirit and the letter of RA 9003.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒎: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒚
The longstanding sanitary landfill issue in Buhi remains unresolved. The Municipality’s landfill project has faced operational and compliance deficiencies, and has been subject to public scrutiny and an Ombudsman case. The absence of a DENR-accredited landfill or a viable temporary containment area severely limits the MENRO’s capacity to fulfill its functions—but it does not absolve the LGU of accountability. RA 9003 mandates every municipality to ensure proper waste disposal infrastructure and planning—a responsibility Buhi cannot lawfully suspend or delegate.

𝑨 𝑮𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏: 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑴𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝑺𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝑼𝒑
This episode exposes deeper governance lapses—from inadequate planning to lack of foresight and weak inter-barangay coordination. The people of Buhi deserve transparent, proactive, and competent local governance that delivers lawful and sustainable waste management services. The temporary suspension should not be tolerated as a “necessary inconvenience” nor normalized as routine. It must serve as a turning point for decisive municipal action—to rehabilitate the MTRCA with urgency, to establish a permanent sanitary landfill, and to restore uninterrupted waste collection services in all barangays.

𝑨 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑
While barangays play crucial roles in segregation and recycling, the primary duty to collect, transport, and dispose of residual wastes lies with the Municipality of Buhi, as mandated by Republic Act No. 9003. Clean and healthy communities are not privileges, but basic rights of every Buhinon. Leadership, accountability, and competence must now prevail—so that Buhi’s governance truly reflects the principles of environmental stewardship and public trust. Ultimately, while barangays play vital roles in household-level segregation and recycling initiatives, the primary legal and moral responsibility to collect, transport, and dispose of residual waste lies with the Municipality of Buhi, as mandated by Republic Act No. 9003. Leadership, accountability, and competence must prevail—because clean and healthy communities are not optional privileges, but fundamental rights of every Buhînën.

photo : taken last year, after the Kristine flooding in Sta. Clara, Kag. Albert Siguenza

22/10/2025

I Nababahala ang ilang Punong Barangay sa bayan ng Buhi matapos magpalabas ng abiso ang lokal na pamahalaan na pansamantalang ihihinto ang pagha-hakot ng residual wastes sa Poblacion at ilang barangay epektibo Oktubre 20, 2025, dahil sa temporary closure at rehabilitation ng Municipal Temporary Residual Containment Area (MTRCA) na matatagpuan sa Ecopark, Barangay Salvacion.

Ayon kay Punong Barangay Arturo Lavadia ng San Buenaventura, nakatanggap siya ng liham mula kay Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Edwin Salvamante, na may notation ni Mayor Rey Lacoste, na nagsasaad ng temporary suspension ng koleksyon ng mga residual wastes.

Bunsod nito, inatasan ng MENRO ang lahat ng barangay na mag-imbak muna ng kanilang basura sa kani-kanilang Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) sa loob ng humigit-kumulang isang buwan.

“Ang mga nabubulok ay dapat ibaon sa lupa, ang mga hindi nabubulok ay i-recycle, habang ang mga residual waste gaya ng diapers at sanitary napkins ay pansamantalang iimbak muna sa barangay,” paliwanag ni Lavadia.

Giit pa niya, bagaman residual waste lamang ang nakasaad sa kautusan, lahat ng uri ng basura ay hindi na rin hinahakot ng MENRO, lalo na kung hindi ito maayos na na-segregate.

Sa Barangay San Pascual, personal na nag-ikot si Punong Barangay Rodel Lavadia gamit ang megaphone upang ipaliwanag sa mga residente ang bagong patakaran. Pumayag ang Lavadia Compound (Luyong Sowong) na pansamantalang pag-imbakan ng mga nabubulok na basura, habang tuwing Biyernes ay iipunin naman ng barangay ang mga plastik at residual wastes sa isang lugar na kasalukuyang tinutukoy pa.

Samantala, sa Barangay San Pedro, sinabi ni Punong Barangay Godofredo Agravante na nakaimbak na ang mga halo-halong basura sa tabi ng barangay hall.

“Nag-hire na rin ako ng manggagawa para magsagawa ng segregation,” dagdag ni Agravante.

Batay sa Section 3 ng Republic Act 9003 o Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2002, responsibilidad ng mga barangay na tiyakin ang 100% collection efficiency ng basura mula sa mga residential, commercial, industrial, at agricultural sources sa kanilang nasasakupan.

Sa isang pagpupulong sa Office of the Mayor noong nakaraang Biyernes, kinumpirma ni Lavadia na itutuloy pa rin ng LGU ang pagtatayo ng Sanitary Landfill, subalit hindi na ito itatayo sa Barangay Macaangay dahil malapit ito sa paaralan. Patuloy umanong naghahanap ng bagong lokasyon ang lokal na pamahalaan para rito.

Sinubukan ng GMB News Team na kunin ang pahayag ni MENRO Edwin Salvamante, ngunit hindi siya ma-contact as of press time.

📸 Larawan: Nakaimbak na basura sa barangay hall compound ng Barangay San Pedro

21/10/2025

I Isang taon na ang nakalipas mula nang bumuhos ang walang tigil na ulan na dulot ng Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) noong Oktubre 22, 2024, araw ng Martes (Market Day) — isang araw na hindi malilimutan ng mga taga-Buhi. Sa araw na iyon, binalot ng tubig at putik ang malaking bahagi ng bayan, habang gumuho ang mga bundok sa paligid dahil sa walang humpay na pag-ulan na tumama rin sa malaking bahagi ng Bicol Region.

Bagamat hindi ganoon kalakas ang hangin ni Kristine — umabot lamang sa 110 kph — ang dalang ulan nito ay hindi pangkaraniwan. Inaasahan ng mga eksperto na magbubuhos lamang ito ng 100–200mm ng ulan, ngunit umabot ito sa 528.5mm sa loob ng 24 oras — ang pinakamataas na naitalang ulan sa bansa mula pa noong dekada 1920.

Sa Buhi, alas-4 pa lamang ng hapon ay lubog na sa baha ang Barangay San Jose (Baybayon), at hindi na madaanan ang Buhi–Iriga Road malapit sa simbahan ng Iglesia ni Cristo. Sa Barangay San Pedro, baha na rin mula Puro hanggang Ricafranca Park, habang binaha rin ang Lavadia Compound at ilang bahagi ng San Pascual. Sa mga barangay ng San Buena, Sta. Elena, at Sta. Clara, umapaw na rin ang tubig — lalo na sa mga lugar na malapit sa Lake Buhi.

Pagsapit ng alas-7 ng gabi, umabot na ang tubig sa talampakan ng Buhi Millennium Center, at mga bubong na lamang ang nakalitaw sa Buhi Public Market. Sa social media, sunod-sunod ang panawagan ng rescue mula sa mga residente ng Sitio Pitu, Barangay Sagrada, at sa iba pang lake barangays na tinamaan ng landslide. Subalit, dahil sa matinding panganib at sa protocol ng kaligtasan, hindi na makaresponde ang mga rescuer.

Pagsapit ng alas-8 ng gabi, lubog na rin sa baha ang Naga City. Maraming taga-Buhi ang nagsipuntahan roon upang iligtas ang kanilang mga anak na na-stranded sa mga boarding house. Sa gitna ng ulan, dilim, at takot, maraming kabahayan at sasakyan ang tinangay ng rumaragasang tubig.

Sa kabutihang palad, walang naiulat na nasawi sa Buhi, bunga ng maagap na paglikas ng mga residente at mahusay na koordinasyon ng mga otoridad. Ngunit kinaumagahan, Oktubre 23, tumambad ang bigat ng pinsala: malalaking landslide sa mga barangay ng Ibayugan, Iraya, Ipil, at San Rafael, habang marami pang lugar ang lubog pa rin sa baha. Mula sa himpapawid, animo’y isang isla ang poblacion ng Buhi, napalilibutan ng kulay-kapeng tubig-baha.

Pagkalipas ng ilang araw, dumagsa ang tulong mula sa lokal na pamahalaan, mga barangay, at mga pribadong organisasyon na naghatid ng relief goods, pagkain, at iba pang pangangailangan sa mga naapektuhan.

Ayon sa Office of Civil Defense (OCD), tinatayang 987,000 pamilya ang naapektuhan ng bagyo sa Bicol Region, kung saan 318,538 ang nanatili sa mga evacuation centers. Umabot sa 57 ang nasawi, karamihan sa Camarines Sur dahil sa pagkalunod, habang 35 ang nasugatan. Tinatayang ₱1.9 bilyon ang pinsala sa agrikultura, bukod pa sa ₱4.8 bilyong halaga ng nasirang imprastraktura.

Ngayong unang anibersaryo ng pananalasa ni Kristine, sariwa pa rin sa alaala ng mga Buhinën ang gabing iyon ng takot, dasal, at pagkakaisa. Naging sandigan ng marami ang bawat isa — kapit-bisig sa pagbangon mula sa trahedya.

Nawa’y magsilbi itong paalala sa pamahalaan at sa bawat mamamayan na ang paghahanda sa kalamidad ay hindi opsyon kundi tungkulin. Ang kaligtasan ng mamamayan ay dapat manatiling pangunahing prayoridad sa anumang panahon.

“Kapag inuna natin ang kaligtasan ng tao, hindi lang natin iniiwasan ang pagkawasak — pinoprotektahan natin ang buhay, ang komunidad, at ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan.”

20/10/2025

I Naglunsad ang DOH ng plataporma para sa publiko na mag-ulat ng hindi gumaganang “super health centers” (SHCs) sa kanilang lugar!

Paano mag-ulat:

1. I-download ang form sa www.doh.gov.ph/bantaysuperhealth
2. Ilagay ang lokasyon ng SHC at larawan ng pasilidad na may kasalukuyang petsa
3. I-email ang form sa [email protected]

Tiniyak ng DOH: Mananatiling kumpidensyal ang iyong identidad.

Sa 878 SHCs sa bansa, 300 ang hindi gumagana, karamihan sa Luzon. Samantala, 196 SHCs ang ganap na gumagana, 17 ang bahagyang gumagana, at 365 ang nasa ilalim pa ng konstruksyon.

Ang Citizen Participatory Audit ay hakbang para masiguro na ang mga health center ay maayos at makakatulong sa komunidad.

20/10/2025

I The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Buhi has announced the resumption of voter registration for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections set for November 2, 2026, pursuant to COMELEC Resolution No. 11177 promulgated on October 15, 2025.

The registration period will run from October 20, 2025, to May 18, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, including Saturdays and holidays.

Applicants are advised to visit the Office of the Election Officer located on the ground floor of the New Municipal Building in San Buenaventura, Buhi, Camarines Sur.

Qualified applicants may apply for:
• New Registration
• Change or Correction of Entries
• Reactivation
• Inclusion or Reinstatement of Record
• Transfer of Registration Record (Local or from Foreign Post)
• Updating of Records for PWDs, senior citizens, Indigenous Peoples (IPs), and other members of the vulnerable sector.

Who May Register
For Barangay Elections:
• At least 18 years old on or before election day;
• A Philippine resident for at least one year and a resident of the barangay for at least six months immediately preceding the elections;
• Not disqualified by law.

For Sangguniang Kabataan Elections:
• 15 to 30 years old on or before election day;
• A resident of the barangay for at least six months;
• Not disqualified by law.

Applicants must present any of the following valid IDs:
• PhilSys National ID, Passport, Postal ID, SSS/GSIS ID, PWD ID, PRC License, Senior Citizen ID, Student ID, NBI Clearance, Driver’s License, or any other government-issued ID.

Note: Barangay IDs, community tax certificates (cedula), and PNP clearances will not be honored as valid identification.

In the absence of valid ID, applicants may be identified under oath by a registered voter in the same precinct or a relative within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, but one person may identify no more than three applicants.

For those applying for change or correction of entries, supporting documents such as birth certificates, marriage contracts, or CENOMAR must be presented.

COMELEC Buhi reminds residents that registration is every Filipino’s right and duty and encourages qualified voters to register early to avoid last-minute crowding.

19/10/2025

I Residents of Buhi and nearby towns including Iriga City should brace for a 12-hour scheduled power interruption on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., according to an advisory posted by the Camarines Sur Electric Cooperative III (CASURECO III) on its official page.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced that the temporary power outage will affect the entire coverage area of CASURECO III, including Iriga City, Nabua, Buhi, Balatan, Bula, Baao, and Bato.

The interruption is necessary to facilitate preventive and corrective maintenance works at the Iriga Substation and along the transmission line, NGCP said.

Power will be restored immediately after the completion of the maintenance activities without prior notice, so the public is reminded to consider all lines energized at all times for safety.

CASURECO III expressed gratitude for the public’s understanding and cooperation as NGCP undertakes these essential works to ensure reliable and efficient power service in the area.

Good Morning Buhi

28/10/2025

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