By CESAR JOLITO III As President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. prepares to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he does not expect the province’s pressing concerns to be part of the national report. “While we hope that Negros Occidental’s needs will be addressed, I understand that …
Monthly Archives: July 2025
Cosmetic development
By Ade S. Fajardo People have not forgotten the dolomite beach project of the previous administration. Almost P400 million was spent to whiten half-a-kilometer of shoreline of Manila Bay. The published intention was to comply with the continuing mandamus issued by the Supreme Court directing government to rehabilitate Manila Bay. *** The Metro Manila Development …
Children as retirement plans?
By Herman M. Lagon At a small carinderia just a few minutes’ walk from the district hospital, I overheard a tricycle driver explaining to his seatmate, “Kun indi mo maalagaan ang imo amay, pwede ka kuno prisuhon.” The other man, who appeared to be in his early 30s, laughed uneasily and replied, “Eh paano kun …
‘Crising,’ habagat agri damage hits P55-M
By CESAR JOLITO III The aftermath of the recent torrential rains and widespread flooding in southern Negros Occidental has left the agricultural sector reeling, with damage estimates now exceeding P55 million, according to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in the Negros Island Region. The updated figures, as of Friday, July 25, highlighted …
Bacolod orders demolition of ‘illegal’ floodwall to ease flooding in Banago
By CESAR JOLITO III A 72-hour ultimatum was issued to a salt storage facility to remove its unauthorized floodwall structure obstructing a key drainage system near the establishment in Bacolod City’s Barangay Banago. The Bacolod City Legal Office’s (CLO) Enforcement Team and the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) issued the removal order against Artemis Salt Corporation following their …
MassKara organizer invites Bacolodnons to be co-creators
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has tapped the Bacolod Gugma Foundation, Inc. as the organizer of the MassKara Festival, the city’s world-renowned festival held in October each year. Gugma is the Hiligaynon word for love. Now in its 46th year, the MassKara Festival will start on October 1, with highlights set on the third Sunday, or …
SRA fast-tracks use of P10-M aid to pest infestation in NegOcc
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) on Friday, July 25, vowed to expedite the use of P10 million worth of assistance to combat the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) infestation affecting sugarcane plantations in Negros Occidental. The move follows the provincial government’s declaration of a state of calamity due to the combined impact of Severe Tropical Storm …
Bacolod City council eyes disaster mgt office upgrade to full-fledged dept
In compliance with the directives and national standards on disaster preparedness, Bacolod City Councilor Caesar Distrito has filed a proposed ordinance seeking to elevate the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) into a full-fledged department. The ordinance aims to expand the organizational structure and staffing of CDRRMO, enhancing its operational capacity and aligning …
Bedonia shines as PLDT sweeps Nxled
By ADRIAN STEWART CO The PLDT High Speed Hitters asserted their dominance with a 25-11, 25-17, 25-21 sweep of the Nxled Chameleons in the PVL On Tour at the USJ-Recoletos Coliseum in Cebu City on Saturday, July 26. Negrense Kiesha Bedonia led the way with 15 points for the High Speed Hitters, which clinched the first …
Bacolodnon Chua bows to Raga in World Pool Championship
By ADRIAN STEWART CO Bacolodnon pool star Johann Chua’s quest for a deep run in the 2025 World Pool Championship came to another disappointing end after falling to longtime nemesis, Cebuano Anton Raga, 11-6, in the Round of 32 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Chua, considered one of the tournament favorites, was once again unable to …