By CESAR JOLITO III An organic pest management program has been rolled out by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to curb infestations of the red striped soft-scale insects (RSSI), a growing threat to sugarcane production in Negros Occidental. SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said they have collaborated with Hawaiian-Philippine Company (HPCo), which highlights a shift toward sustainable …
Monthly Archives: September 2025
Joint Kanlaon regional-national TF consolidates recovery, dev’t plans
The joint Regional Task Force-National Task Force (RTF-NTF) Kanlaon has come up with consolidated recovery and development plans for local government units (LGUs) in Negros Island affected by the series of eruptions of Kanlaon Volcano in the past year. In a report yesterday, the Office of Civil Defense-Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) said each sector evaluated …
Bacolod City eyes repeat as PH’s most business-friendly city
Bacolod City, the 2024 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) among the provincial highly urbanized cities, is eyeing recognition after making it to the competition’s shortlist again this year. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) announced yesterday that Bacolod, together with Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan, and Iloilo, is included in the Top 5 LGUs …
Oro survives late scare to win Junior PGT crown
By ADRIAN STEWART CO Hometown favorite John Paul Oro held his nerve down the stretch to capture the boys’ 15-18 division title in the ICTSI Negros Occidental Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) Championship on Wednesday, September 17. Oro closed with a rollercoaster 75 for a 54-hole total of 222, holding off a spirited comeback by …
28 sporting events on tap for MassKaralympics
By ADRIAN STEWART CO The MassKaralympics 2025 opened as a centerpiece side event of this year’s MassKara Festival, featuring 28 sporting competitions that bring together barangay representatives, local athletes and national icons. Dubbed a “festival within the festival,” the sports program includes the inaugural Mayor Greg Gasataya MassKara Volleyball Cup, the 4th MassKara Tchoukball Tournament, …
Alas Pilipinas shoots for Round of 16 spot in do-or-die clash vs. Iran
After doing the improbable, Alas Pilipinas men look to chase history once more as it squares off with Iran in a do-or-die match that will determine its fate at the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship. The Filipinos, the tournament’s hosts, are set to lock horns with the World No. 15 Iranians, with the winner …
Japan saves best for last, sweeps Libya to end run in FIVB Worlds
Ryujin Nippon isn’t going home empty-handed. Japan made sure to give the Filipino crowd a parting gift as it wrapped up its 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship run on Wednesday, September 17, sweeping Libya, 25-20, 25-17, 25-12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Japanese squad bounced back from back-to-back losses to Turkey and Canada …
DigiPlus strengthens player protection with surety bond for BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone
September 17, 2025 – DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the country’s premier digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, today announced a landmark partnership with Philippine First Insurance Co. Inc. (PhilFirst), the country’s first domestic insurance company. Together, they have introduced the Philippines’ first-ever surety bond program for online gaming players – setting a new benchmark …
More secure homes: Bacolod eyes permanent housing for Brgy. 27 fire victims
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City government unveiled a long-term plan to provide permanent housing for the 295 families displaced by the recent fire that gutted a residential area in Barangay 27. Speaking during a consultation with survivors at the Bacolod City Government Center, Mayor Greg Gasataya assured residents that the city government is working toward …
6,000 Negrenses expected to join ‘Trillion March’ on Sept. 21
By CESAR JOLITO III At least 6,000 Negrenses are expected to join the nationwide “A Trillion March” on September 21, which calls for clean governance and accountability, coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of the martial law declaration. The indignation rally, organized locally by the One Negros Ecumenical Council (ONEC) alongside multi-sectoral groups, will begin at …