By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has intensified its anti-drug campaign to secure the city in preparation for the upcoming MassKara Festival in October, while admitting that completely eradicating illegal drugs ahead of the annual festivities remains a major challenge. “While total eradication is difficult, we are committed to preventing the …
Monthly Archives: September 2025
Pinyapel: How innovation works
By Sonny Angara The pineapple has a unique place in Philippine tradition. Aside from being a delicious food source, we have the origin myth of how it used to be a girl who loved to procrastinate and not look for things — hence its thousand eyes. Its leaves are also the source for piña fabric, specifically the stiff …
Despite contradictions, just do a lot of good
By Fr. Roy Cimagala That’s what we can gather from the readings of the Mass. (Acts 8:1-8; John 6:35-40) Whatever negative things we can encounter along the way, the good, which is a matter of believing in Christ, if not, identifying ourselves with him, will always prevail, if not soon, then in the end. It’s …
WHO: No conclusive evidence linking autism to paracetamol use
The World Health Organization (WHO) said there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a link between autism and the use of paracetamol during pregnancy, debunking US President Donald Trump’s claim. The UN health agency, in a statement, said nearly 62 million people worldwide, or one in 127, live with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a …
3 storms leave P2.53-M agri damage in NegOcc
By CESAR JOLITO III The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in Negros Occidental reported an estimated P2.53 million worth of damages to crops and fisheries due to the combined effects of the recent southwest monsoon enhanced by weather disturbances “Mirasol,” “Nando” and Severe Tropical Storm “Opong.” Rice farms and fisheries across several localities in the province bore the …
OCD mulls relocation of families near La Castellana creek after lahar flow
By CESAR JOLITO III The Office of Civil Defense in the Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) has recommended the relocation of at least nine households situated along Tamburong Creek at Barangay Biak na Bato in Negros Occidental’s La Castellana town following the continuous accumulation of volcanic sediments from Kanlaon Volcano. OCD-NIR Director Donato Sermeno III said …
Kanlaon-hit families get P25-M calamity aid
By CESAR JOLITO III The national government has released P25 million in direct calamity assistance to 5,000 residents in Negros Occidental affected by the series of eruptions of Kanlaon Volcano, underscoring ongoing efforts to support recovery while long-term rehabilitation plans are being finalized. The Presidential Action Center (PACe) distributed over the weekend the financial aid — P5,000 …
Bacolod bids to host Batang Pinoy 2026
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City government has formally expressed its intention to host the Batang Pinoy 2026 National Games, with Mayor Greg Gasataya saying the move is aimed at strengthening Bacolod’s position as a hub for sports tourism. Gasataya confirmed that he has already relayed the city’s interest to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) …
Bro shot dead, 1 hurt
By CESAR JOLITO III Two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen targeted two brothers at Purok Active in Bacolod City’s Barangay Mandalagan yesterday, which resulted in the killing of a 43-year-old man and the injuring of his younger brother. The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) said the victims (names withheld upon the request of the family) were riding a …
Sugar mills in Negros start accepting canes for new crop year
Sugar mills in Negros Occidental have begun accepting canes as the crop year 2025-2026 officially begun yesterday amid the continuing challenge posed by the infestation of red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) in sugarcane plantations in the province. October 1 is the official start of the milling season, but the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) moved it to …