Victor Buencamino

(1888 — 1977), first Filipino veterinarian, government official, businessman. Vice-President and Manager, National Rice and Corn Corporation, 1936-1943. Vice-Chairman, National Produce Exchange. Food Administrator, Civilian Emergency Administration, 1941-42.Father of Felipe Buencamino III.

January 1, 1942

Most of Luzon is in Japanese hands. The USAFFE has retreated to Bataan. Where are the U.S. planes? Will the convoy arrive? My eldest boy

January 2, 1942

(Noon) Looting. Met a man carrying a leg of ham on one hand and a roll of khaki on the other. Saw a truck full

January 3, 1942

Looting continues unabated. War brings out the noble and the degrading in man. Saw three Japanese soldiers talking with two women with painted faces in

January 4, 1942

Warnings have been issued by the Commander of the Japanese Landing Forces. (1) Anyone who inflicts or attempts to inflict an injury upon Japanese soldiers

January 5, 1942

Very busy day in the office organizing rice distribution for the people. Thank goodness, the rice situation is now more or less under control, but

January 6, 1942

The Boulevard is like a carnival. There are so many people promenading; society matrons lounging on easy chairs, chatting and gossiping; boys and girls talking,

January 7, 1942

Woke up early this morning. Inspected our bodegas. One warehouseman was not there. The bodega could not be opened. The Japanese Military Administration authorized at

January 9, 1942

Talked to an officer whose troops were cut off from the main body of the USAFFE retreating to Bataan. He said the MacArthur strategy in

January 10, 1942

Meeting from 5 p.m. till late in the evening with the Industrial Committee of the Japanese Army. The members of the Committee are Mr. Abe

January 11, 1942

What is a diary? Webster’s dictionary says it is a “a register of daily events or transactions; a journal.” With me, it is something different.

January 12, 1942

The course of history is a cycle. The present becomes past and the past returns to the present. The future is something forever to be

January 13, 1942

Heard a good one. The sentry at the intersection of Avenida Rizal and Azcarraga grabbed a man for not bowing when he was near the

January 14, 1942

Seventeen offences punishable by death have been announced by the Japanese Commander-in-Chief. Some of them: rebellion, spreading false rumors, espionage, misguiding Japanese troops, stealing military

January 15, 1942

Ignorance is really bliss. Walked right into the American concentration camp in Santo Tomas, without knowing the Japanese prohibited such visits. Saw old friends: Sam

January 16, 1942

Even small details must be authorized by the Army. The Japanese are thorough, although stubborn-headed. Had to ask Mr. Noya to get the Army’s O.K.

January 17, 1942

The newspapers say Singapore has been subjected to heavy bombing. KGEI announced that British forces have retreated to Palch, 100 kilometers northwest of Singapore. Looks

January 18,1942

January 18, 1942

“You can’t put a good man down,” they say, and the cochero is that good man. He is king of Manila again, as virtually all

January 19, 1942

Rumors, rumors, rumors. Rumor that the convoy has arrived. Rumor that a Negro Army has landed in Batangas. Rumor that the USAFFE has reached Pampanga.

January 20, 1942

No news in the Tribune about Bataan. I wonder why. As a matter of fact, there has been nothing on Bataan for the last few days. Are

January 21, 1942

You cannot judge a man by his clothes. Not even by his uniform. I inspected the markets today and I saw that the first ones

January 23, 1942

Manila is talking about Tozyo’s promise of independence and, above the murmurs and whispers, one loud voice is heard! Benigno Aquino’s. Aquino said that God

January 24, 1942

The Japanese mean business. They have formed a central government, for areas under military control, with Jorge B. Vargas as chairman. I pity Jorge. He’s

January 25, 1942

The News Division of the Japanese Army has requested me to write my opinion regarding Premier Tozyo a promise of independence. Shall I write the

January 26, 1942

Must encourage the people to do some home gardening. Every available backyard should be planted to vegetables. The Bureau of Plant Industry can provide the

January 27, 1942

Manila was bombed at 9:30 p.m. We were all in Gabriel’s house. All of a sudden the windows began to shake and there were dull

January 28, 1942

No bombs today. All Manila is talking about last night’s bombing. Some think the reinforcements have arrived in Corregidor. Others claim it was just a

January 29, 1942

Here’s baloney for the cold stores: “The University of Santo Tomas,” according to the Tribune, “was bombed, clearly exposing the inhumanity of America.” I know

January 30, 1942

Still no bombs. People are still hoping, wishing. Man lives on hope. He is not satisfied with the present. His eyes are fixed towards the

January 31, 1942

There is too much wishful thinking. There are too many pseudo-generals. Too many opinions on what the USAFFE will do next and when the next

February 1, 1942

This is going to be a long war. Only an ostrich can think it will be short. This is a death-struggle between mighty nations involving