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.

March 4, 1942

Must remember to order the conversion of corn into corn-rice to substitute for rice to be given to the Bureau of Prisons. Must look for

March 5, 1942

“WILL DROP MAIL TO P.I. SOLDIERS” that is the Tribune’s headline this sunny Thursday morning. Says the announcement: “The Japanese Army will deliver the letters

March 6, 1942

At about 2 p.m. Mr. Nakashima informed me that Mr. Ferrer, chief clerk, and Mr. G. Sison, secretary to the Food Administrator, were wanted at

March 7, 1942

Reign of terror. Shades of the Inquisition, the “Red-purge,” Jan Valtin’s “Out of the Night.” Sison has disappeared. He fled to the mountains. The Japanese

March 8, 1942

Ferrer wanted in Fort Santiago again. Sent a messenger to fetch him from his house. He couldn’t go to office today. He went to the

March 9, 1942

Paez may resign. Melo and Abes have left already. With Pagu in Fort Santiago, I will be left alone. And it is especially now that

March 10, 1942

Ferrer released. Was badly manhandled. Mateo Borja and Isias Pacheco arrived this morning after surveying the Bicol region. Reported: a good harvest in Camarines Sur,

March 11, 1942

Walked in the garden. Watched the blue heavens. I love the night, especially dark nights. It detaches you from the world. Makes you forget yourself

March 12, 1942

It is getting harder day by day. No matter what the Japanese say they cannot remove the “victor” complex out of their minds. In their

March 13, 1942

No news about Pagulayan and Unson. Many complaints from the public and from Filipino employees have been received by me against Mr. Inada, the Japanese

March 14, 1942

Presented my resignation verbally to Mr. Noya. Was “asked” to remain. Insistence on my resignation will be considered a hostile act by the Military. Another

March 15, 1942

The Japanese Supervisor asked me to write down the names of the five closest friends of Pagulayan in the office. I refused. He insisted. I

March 21, 1942

Tanco and I toured Bulacan: Marilao, Bigaa, Guiguinto, Malolos, Plaridel and Baliuag. It is five days since I have written here. I think I’ll stop

March 21, 1942

The Japanese Supervisor asked me to write down the names of the five closest friends of Pagulayan in the office. I refused. He insisted. I

March 22, 1942

Had a showdown with the Supervisor. There is nothing like talking frankly. I told him I wanted to know just where I stood. If I

March 23, 1942

The Army formally took over the NARIC this morning. This is what I said: The work of the NARIC heretofore has been to stabilize prices

March 24, 1942

If the news about President Quezon is true, this country has lost one of its main pillars. But I have a feeling, the news is

March 25, 1942

Another man arrived from Bataan. Said he was Philip’s sergeant. He was sunburnt and thin and sick with malaria. “Do not worry about Phil,” he

March 26, 1942

Had an important conference with Colonel Uzaki, head of the Army’s Food Division. I took up all the important matters preoccupying me. First, the flour

March 27, 1942

Noya has been replaced by Mr. Fukada as Supervisor. Noya was all right. He was not arrogant and we got along quite well. There must

March 28, 1942

Philip’s birthday.

March 29, 1942

Gave the men in the office a confidential, heart-to-heart talk. This is what I said: “Many responsible people outside and inside this office have suggested

March 30, 1942

Must employ a good interpreter. Misunderstandings arise out of the inability to understand each other’s language. Had a tense showdown with the new Japanese supervisor,

March 31, 1942

Gen. Yamakoshi gave a dinner in Honor of the NARIC staff at the Manila Hotel. It was a dry affair. Missed the lively Rotary luncheons.

April 1, 1942

A friend of mine was shocked. He was standing near one of the Japanese garrisons in Manila. He saw a major entering the gate and

April 2, 1942

Heard a good one. A Japanese soldier lost his way in Pampanga. He asked a farmer: “Which is the road to Bataan?” The farmer told

April 3, 1942

Will buy a bicycle. My alcohol ration is not enough. It might even be reduced. Most people now ride in rigs, except the Japanese of

April 4, 1942

Commencement of NARIC purchasing operations in Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Pangasinan. Said Col. Uzaki on this occasion: “I wish to impress upon you the

April 5, 1942

Easter Sunday, but no celebration. Ration cards for rice will soon be issued to the public. Rice will be distributed through 19 public markets. This

April 6, 1942

I am wanted in Fort Santiago. Mr. Duran called me up by phone and said that Fort Santiago wants me to report there on Wednesday,