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.

July 3, 1942

Am writing a letter to Fort Santiago requesting the release of Pagulayan and Unson. Will give the following reasons: (1) They are good, useful men.

July 4, 1942

No parades, no celebrations—in public. Cozy little parties, drinks, dancing, singing—in private. The Filipinos have learned to celebrate on July 4th. More trouble from Mr.

July 8, 1942

Mr. Toyama, a very nice, educated Japanese, employee of Mitsui, will teach the family Japanese, twice a week in the evenings. My son Vic refused

July 9, 1942

Invited to a pancitada by Dr. Gregorio San Agustin at a dinner by the Bureau of Animal Industry to some 20 Japanese veterinarians. Fukada, Naric

July 10, 1942

Thinking of Pagu. At a dinner at the Hotel with Major Nishimura, I asked about Pagu. The interpreter said in broken Spanish: “Ese para muerto

July 12, 1942

A house-to-house inspection is being planned to check up if the reported number of family members tallies with actual facts. People who have increased the

July 13, 1942

Asked Unding Alunan to find out if Arthur Fischer is in the concentration camp for Americans in Camp Tinio. I want to help him. Talked

July 15, 1942

More war prisoners released, thank God. The prison camps are death holes. Attended a meeting of restaurant owners at the Office of the Mayor. I

July 16, 1942

Studying “darak” supply for horse-owners. After a survey among carromata owners, it was found out that two gantas of “darak” are being consumed by a

July 17, 1942

Due to the increasing cost of living, the following salary readjustment has been made: 1. From ₱50 down, increase to ₱50 for permanent employees, one

July 25, 1942

Made arrangements with Dr. Sison for the sending of sick war prisoners to his hospital. Gave him ₱1,000 as contribution for Philippine General Hospital. He

July 27, 1942

A Japanese civilian came to my office. He spoke arrogantly, bluffingly, threateningly. He wanted one of my rent houses. I showed him that I

July 31, 1942

Read a Guerillero’s poem. Somebody left it in my desk. Perhaps there are guerilleros in the office: SOMEDAY Someday, someday, I’ll live again, I’ll sing

December 16, 1944

Bullets or shrapnel pierced our roof. Entered just opposite daughter Neneng’s chair in the dining room. Vic and I were seated at the table. Neneng,