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.

February 2, 1942

Rice dealers gathered at the NARIC this morning and I explained the new policy ordered regarding the selling of rice in the markets. I wonder

February 3, 1942

“Stiff penalties for profiteers,” says the Tribune. Good. Profiteers feed on misery. Their lives must be made miserable. The worst kind of birds are scavengers.

February 4, 1942

Received news from my son, Philip. One of his men came here at home and reported that Philip is alive and in good health. He

February 5, 1942

Japanese civilians entered a friend’s house, started playing the piano and asked him to introduce them to his daughters. Such abuses must be stopped. If

February 6, 1942

Col. T. Uzaki, head of the Army’s food division, together with six other Japanese, went to San Fernando and other towns accompanied by Julian Reyes,

February 7, 1942

The Japanese may be slow but they are very thorough. With them, everything is planned. I noticed that when they arrived in my office, they

February 8, 1942

A very busy Sunday. How I wish I could just stay home and smoke and tinker around the house and plant in the garden! There

February 9, 1942

The provinces of Central Luzon are in turmoil. Gunmen in every corner. Killings every day. Banditry rampant. The Japanese are impatient, angry. They burn, kill,

February 10, 1942

Looks bad for Singapore. The Japanese now have a foothold. I suspect Singapore is not such an impregnable base, after all. The Japanese are bombing

February 11, 1942

The NARIC will purchase rice in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Pampanga. I am worried about the unsettled conditions, the lack of peace and order, the

February 12, 1942

The impregnable fortress of Singapore, bastion of British imperialism in the Orient, has fallen. According to Domei, the flag of the Rising Sun was hoisted

February 13, 1942

Very sad news in the Tribune on Bataan. The Japanese offensive has been intensified. The U.S. War Department said that “the outlook for the forces

February 14, 1942

Asked an old man of eighty years which regime he prefers: Spanish, American or Japanese? The old man thought for a moment. Then he answered

February 15, 1942

Today is my birthday. Worked as usual. No party at home. These are not days for celebration. It is outrageous to amuse oneself, while the

February 16, 1942

Martial law is severe, ruthless. It knows no leniency. Three British internees were made to dig three graves and then they were executed in the

February 17, 1942

Received regards from Mary. She is in Cabiao. Those who evacuated to the provinces had a harder time than those who stayed in Manila. The

February 18, 1942

Too tired to write.

February 19, 1942

Everybody in the office is in a state of high nervous tension. Unson was taken to Fort Santiago. Why was he taken? What will they

February 20, 1942

Heavy fighting in Bataan. The Japanese are intensifying their attack. KGEI said the situation “is very grave.” Right now, I can hear the roar of

February 21, 1942

No news of Unson. Many employees want to quit. Some have fled to the mountains. They are afraid of the Japanese. I cannot prevail upon

February 22, 1942

Stayed home. I think I need a rest. All work and no play makes John a dull boy.

February 23, 1942

Proud of our boys in Bataan. They are still holding the line. KGEI reports “heavy exchange of artillery in the Bataan peninsula.” We’re doing better

February 24, 1942

Colonel Uzaki visited the office today. The colonel said: “NARIC must start to buy actively. Begin with Baliuag.” Purchases will be made through municipal mayors.

February 25, 1942

The American mainland has been shelled by a Japanese submarine. This will spur America. This is the kick she needed. The U-boat fired 20 shells,

February 26, 1942

Purchasing campaign in the provinces is meeting with great difficulties. Not all mayors are cooperating. Some are aloof, haughty. Others are looking for personal gain.

February 27, 1942

Busy all day with reports on the progress of rice purchases in the provinces.

February 28, 1942

Rumors (are) that more NARIC employees will be taken to Fort Santiago. Most of my men are demoralized. The efficiency of the service is impaired.

March 1, 1942

More men brought to Fort Santiago. Tanco was called this morning. Capati and Oliveros, this afternoon. Pagulayan and I will probably be next. I have

March 2, 1942

The Dutch are in dutch. Japanese forces have landed in the northern part of Java. Provincial purchases continue despite multitudinous difficulties. Our stocks are fast

March 3, 1942

The NARIC will be reorganized to conform with the plans of the Army, Col. T. Uzaki, head of the Army food division, revealed this morning.