The UAAP Season 88 men’s football tournament opens with a heavy three-match slate yesterday, as schools seek a fast start in hopes of dethroning reigning champion Far Eastern University (FEU). Season 87 finalist Ateneo de Manila University opened the tournament against Adamson University, followed by a clash between the University of the Philippines (UP) and …
Monthly Archives: September 2025
Policy battle: Bishop, advocates push back as NegOcc weighs GMO ordinance
By CESAR JOLITO III A brewing debate over genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Negros Occidental has intensified after San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza joined groups opposing the proposed ordinance that would lift the province’s 18-year ban on GMO crops. Alminaza warned that the GMO ordinance would mainly benefit “profit-oriented millionaires or billionaires” while exposing small …
Over 1,100 NIR cops to secure Sept. 21 protests
By CESAR JOLITO III The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has mobilized more than 1,100 personnel across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor to maintain peace and order as the nation marks the 53rd anniversary of the martial law declaration on Sunday, September 21. PRO-NIR Director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay …
Trillion peso march
By Herman M. Lagon September 21 is no ordinary date. It marks 53 years since martial law was declared, when silence was enforced and fear was law. Today, the call is different: to show up, not in fear but in fairness. The “Trillion …
God offers us the best deal when temptations come
By Fr. Roy Cimagala We get this happy assurance from the Letter of St. James. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been proved, he shall receive a crown of life, which God hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12) Besides, we are also told that God does not …
10 brgys, 7 schools to compete in MassKara fest dance competitions
By CESAR JOLITO III Ten barangays and seven elementary schools will compete in the highly anticipated 46th MassKara Festival dance competitions on October 18 and 19 at the Paglaum Sports Complex and Bacolod Public Plaza, organizers confirmed yesterday. Bacolod Gugma Foundation director Rodney Ascalon said the school-based competition will open the festivities on October 18 …
Kanlaon recovery faces major setback after 80% budget slash
By CESAR JOLITO III Recovery efforts for communities devastated by Kanlaon Volcano’s continuing unrest since last year are facing a serious setback after the government slashed the rehabilitation budget by more than 80 percent. From an initial allocation of P203.8 million, only P40.8 million is now available for disaster response and rehabilitation, leaving local officials scrambling to …
Bacolod SP: Asset inventory to boost transparency
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has called for a comprehensive inventory and valuation of all city government assets, a move seen to strengthen transparency, accountability and fiscal management in local governance. In a resolution unanimously approved this week, the SP requested the General Services Office (GSO), through Mayor Greg Gasataya …
Bacolod logs 6th dengue fatality; cases top 811
By CESAR JOLITO III A two-year-old girl from Bacolod City’s Barangay Mandalagan became the latest fatality from dengue fever, bringing the city’s death toll to six since January, according to the City Health Office (CHO). The CHO confirmed yesterday that the child succumbed to the mosquito-borne disease earlier this month. Previous deaths this year include …
Bacolod City unveils digital OBO permits system to eliminate fixers
The Bacolod City government has unveiled an electronic kiosk (e-kiosk) system for the digital processing of both building and occupancy permits to eliminate fixers and fast-track service delivery. Mayor Greg Gasataya, who led the project launch at the Government Center on Thursday afternoon, September 18, said the goal is to make it easier for businesses …