Pag-IBIG Fund has rolled out the “Pag-IBIG 1 Plus 1 Raffle Promo,” an initiative aimed at encouraging more Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), self-employed individuals, online sellers and informal sector workers to register as members and save with Pag-IBIG Fund. Running until Nov. 30, 2025, the promo rewards active Pag-IBIG Fund members who successfully register members …
Monthly Archives: January 2025
Cost of compliance: SRA suspends SO6 pending stakeholders consultation
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has suspended the implementation of Sugar Order (SO) No. 6, which sets the guidelines for the importation of certain sugars and sugar confectionery, pending further consultations with industry representatives. SRA Administrator Pablo Azcona said the decision to suspend SO6 was in response to concerns raised by stakeholders in the sugar …
Balancing act in the South China Sea
By Ignacio R. Bunye The recent redeployment of the US military’s Typhon launchers from Laoag airfield to another location in Luzon has sparked significant attention and controversy. These launchers, equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of hitting targets in China and Russia, and SM-6 missiles designed for striking air or sea targets over 200 kilometers …
Not just a video
By Herman M. Lagon The security guard-garland girl fight has sparked public outrage. A viral video shows a mall guard forcibly removing a young flower vendor and destroying her sampaguita garlands. Many defended the girl and criticized the guard. We must pause before concluding. In the heat of the moment, emotions cloud context. Viral videos …
Award or decline? Capitol to decide on bulk water supply project bid
By JEN BAYLON The Negros Occidental provincial government is currently evaluating the sole bid for the P1.2 billion bulk water supply project. Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II confirmed that the project bid is still undergoing technical and financial post-qualifications, emphasizing the importance of thorough assessment before making a decision. “Our timeline has been established by …
2 babies die while staying at evacuation center amid Kanlaon unrest
By JEN BAYLON Two infants died due to illnesses while staying inside evacuation centers in Negros Occidental’s La Castellana town amid the ongoing unrest of Kanlaon Volcano. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan said a nine-month-old boy from Barangay Cabagnaan died from pneumonia after being evacuated with his family following the volcano’s eruption last month. …
Comelec to hold candidates’ info forum for 2025 polls
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is organizing a forum for Negros Oriental candidates in the May 12 national and local elections as some are unfamiliar with campaign laws and related topics. Comelec-Negros Island Region Executive Director Lionel Marco Castillano said the forum on February 7 will provide the candidates with insights on the prohibitions during …
Bacolod names tycoon Hans Sy as adopted son, honorary mayor
Business tycoon Hans Sy, chairperson of SM Prime Holdings Inc., was officially declared an adopted son and honorary mayor of Bacolod City during the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival, one of the country’s biggest Chinese New Year celebrations. Sy, accompanied by his children Harvey and Hanna Carinna, received a copy of the resolution on his conferment from …
Task Force Kanlaon augments rice supply for evacuees
The government’s Regional Task Force Kanlaon, through the National Food Authority (NFA), has augmented rice supply to displaced families affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island. At least 659 sacks of rice procured by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) were released to five local government units (LGUs), data showed yesterday. Maria Christina …
Public urged to report unethical lending practices
Officials from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Bacolod Extension Office urged victims of unethical lending practices in Negros Oriental, especially those who use online lending apps, to file a complaint in their satellite office in Dumaguete City. Atty. Annabelle Corral-Respall, officer-in-charge and director of SEC-Bacolod, and Public Information Officer Ma. Laarni Dilag-King cautioned the …