By Dennis Gorecho “May asim pa” is an appreciative Tagalog phrase often heard in storytelling involving middle-aged women that acquired its double meaning — sourness and sweet. Literally translated in English it means “sourness retained” or “sour still.” Paradoxically, the free translation is the exact opposite, as it describes a person, despite her age, still …
Monthly Archives: July 2025
Valedictorians with no filter
By Herman M. Lagon Not all graduation speeches shout. Some speak in quiet truths. And this year, those truths echoed all over the country — of hardship, survival and questions that do not end with a diploma. Valedictorians gave us a picture of success with cracks in it, asking, “What does winning mean if …
Lacson: P2.8-M left from Kanlaon evacuees aid
By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson assured local government units affected by Kanlaon Volcano’s continuing unrest that funds allocated for food assistance remain sufficient. Lacson confirmed that P2.8 million was left of the P50 million in aid provided by the Office of the President to the provincial government. He said the …
NegOcc gov’t pushes transformative mediation for stronger local governance
The Negros Occidental provincial government has expanded its transformative mediation training program to better equip members of the Lupon ng Tagapamayapa in resolving conflicts in the barangays. From March to July this year, 187 Lupon members and barangay leaders from six local government units (LGUs) have been trained through the Provincial Planning and Development Office …
41 houses damaged, P800-K livestock lost in Talisay flooding
By CESAR JOLITO III Heavy rains caused severe flooding across 16 barangays in Negros Occidental’s Talisay City over the weekend, leaving behind extensive damage to properties and livestock, and affecting over 15,000 residents. According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, eight houses were totally destroyed, while 33 others were partially damaged due …
P2.2-M stolen cable wires seized; 11 held
By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities uncovered what appears to be an organized cable theft and illegal burning operation after seizing over P2.2 million worth of stolen underground internet and cable wires, and arresting 11 suspects at Barangay Concepcion in Negros Occidental’s Talisay City on Monday, July 14. The Bacolod Maritime Police Station, led by Police Captain Reynaldo …
Malnutrition rate drops as nutrition programs gain ground in NegOr
The prevalence rate of malnutrition in the province has continuously decreased by 9.2 percent, which is below the national prevalence rate of 30 percent. Provincial Health Officer (PHO) and Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Liland Estacion said every year, the stunting rate is decreasing from 9.6 percent in 2023 to 9.2 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, …
High-value suspect yields P40.8-M ‘shabu’ in NegOr
Law enforcers seized some P40.8 million worth of suspected shabu and nabbed a high-value individual in a buy-bust in Negros Oriental yesterday. Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NORPPO), told the Philippine News Agency that the suspect, alias “Pao,” a resident of Barangay Camanjan of capital Dumaguete City, yielded six kilos of shabu …
Azkals legend Schröck spearheads football clinic
By ADRIAN STEWART CO Football legend and former Azkals captain Stephan Schröck continues to blaze new trails for Philippine football as he brought his expertise to the Bacolod Central District Pitch, Mandalagan from July 12 to 13, leading a grassroots football clinic to inspire and motivate Negrense booters. More than a hundred kids from Bacolod …
Bacoleño cop bags medals in int’l chess games
By ADRIAN STEWART CO Police Chief Master Sergeant Earnie Abanco from Bacolod City won gold (rapid) and silver (standard) in chess in the recently concluded 2025 World Police & Fire (WPF) Games held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. In his social media post, Abanco was thankful for the generosity and kindness of the Filipino-American community in …