By Herman M. Lagon Freely given is often barely appreciated. It is a hard truth to swallow, but it is one we see repeatedly, especially in a society grappling with the long-term effects of unearned benefits. Take the government’s ayuda program, which, though necessary during the height of the pandemic, continues in some forms today. …
Monthly Archives: March 2025
4 other hikers rescued after 3-day search
By JEN BAYLON The four remaining foreign hikers who were reported missing on Mount Talinis in Negros Oriental’s Valencia town were rescued after a three-day search-and-rescue operation on Saturday morning, March 22. The remaining four — Germans 60-year-old Aldwin Fink and 67-year-old Wolfgang Schlenker, along with 38-year-old Russian Anton Chernov and 50-year-old Canadian identified only …
Comelec: Negros bet in ‘vote buying’ can’t be charged with violation
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday, March 22, said that the incumbent official of Negros Oriental, who figured in a viral video raining down P500 bills on spectators, “did not technically commit a violation” of election laws. “Hindi pa covered ng election laws kung tutuusin,” said Comelec Chairman George Garcia in an interview on …
Comelec: Barangay, SK execs allowed to join midterm polls campaign
All elected barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials are allowed to join political and campaign activities in the May 12 midterm polls. In Minute Resolution 24-1001, released on Friday, March 21, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said these elected officials are exempted from the prohibition for public officers to engage in any partisan political …
Political candidates urged to include women issues in their platforms
The Negros Oriental Provincial Commission on Women (PCW) in Dumaguete City has called on candidates for the 2025 national and local midterm elections to include the special protection of women in their political agenda. In a Kapihan sa PIA forum, PCW co-chair Phoebe Tan said political candidates should recognize that women’s situation is a development …
Negros Oriental’s Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes earn Asean heritage status
A team of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) technical staff excitedly peered through a bird-watching telescope. Their subject: A tiny, brown-breasted kingfisher (Halcyon gularis) perched on a tree branch in a swamp. The bird had a red beak, chocolate brown feathers and bright blue wings. After a few minutes, it flew away. Bird …
Creamline ousts Chery Tiggo in PVL q’finals
By ADRIAN STEWART CO The Creamline Cool Smashers battled back from a set down to eliminate the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 20-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-22, in Game 2 of the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City on Saturday night, March 22. Negrense Bernadeth Pons finished with 18 points, including 17 …
Chuatico, Ateneo outduel UP in UAAP women’s volley
By ADRIAN STEWART CO The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles secured a thrilling 15-25, 25-23, 27-25, 30-32, 16-14 victory against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday night, March 22. Negrense rookie Jihan …
Bulls’ strong second half leaves Lakers in dust
Coby White, Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey led the hot-shooting Chicago Bulls to a 146-115 win over the host Los Angeles Lakers yesterday (Philippine time), spoiling the returns of LeBron James and Rui Hachimura. White finished with 36 points on 12-of-17 shooting, making 6-of-9 attempts from three-point range. Buzelis, a rookie, added 31 points on …
Alex Eala earns major upset in Miami Open
Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has earned the biggest victory of her career after upsetting former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko in the second round of the Miami Open, 7-6, 7-5, early Saturday, March 22 (Philippine time). It was a hard-fought win for the 19-year-old, with World No. 25 Ostapenko being the highest-ranked player Eala …