By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental provincial government has deployed heavy equipment to begin dredging operations at Tamburong Creek in La Castellana’s Barangay Biak na Bato, after hardened lahar from Kanlaon Volcano triggered severe flooding over the weekend. “We will start with the clearing of the roads, then dredge the creek,” Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz …
Monthly Archives: September 2025
Mahjong as part of Chinese influence in Filipino culture
By Dennis Gorecho Mahjong has a special place in our family as we grew up with weekend gatherings of aunts and uncles for mahjong sessions while we (cousins) play traditional games. Mahjong is a Chinese tile-based game of skill, strategy and luck, which can be fun but can also be deadly. Mahjong is commonly played by …
Keeping the flex in check
By Herman M. Lagon Before midnight at the ICC Grounds in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, two groups clashed — raised voices, phones recording, pride on parade. A woman waved her iPhone 16 Pro Max and pointed to a car idling nearby as proof they mattered. A young adult flashed a rude hand sign. A companion, tipsy, …
RESTORE OR DEMOLISH? Bacolod mayor studying plans for Halandumon Tower
By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya is studying possible measures for the Halandumon Tower, also known as the Memorial Tower, situated along Gonzaga-Gatuslao Streets, following public suggestions ranging from restoration to demolition. According to Gasataya, some residents have proposed bringing back the clock that was originally part of the roundabout where the …
Bacolod pushes for intensified drive vs. dengue, leptos, flu amid rainy season
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City council has called on the City Health Office (CHO) and all barangays to step up disease prevention measures against dengue, leptospirosis and influenza as health authorities have reported a sharp rise in cases amid the rainy season. Councilor Caesar Distrito, who authored the resolution, stressed that community-based interventions …
City gov’t to hold talks for non-complaint biz owners
By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has directed the City Legal Office to hold dialogues with business owners served closure notices after failing to secure the necessary permits to operate. The move comes after the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) reported that six establishments were padlocked on Friday, August 29, while 37 others …
BJMP-NIR probes entry of contrabands into NegOcc district jail
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR) has launched an investigation into the entry of contrabands seized inside the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) in Bago City during a greyhound operation on Monday, September 1. The seven-hour operation at the NODJ Male Dormitory resulted in the confiscation of heating equipment, pointed steel …
Pa charged after daughter dies in accidental shooting
By CESAR JOLITO III A 32-year-old father was arrested after his six-year-old daughter was fatally shot in what authorities described as an accidental firing incident. Police identified the suspect as alias “Randy,” a resident of Barangay San Isidro in Negros Occidental’s Calatrava town. Initial investigation revealed that “Randy” was having a drinking session at his temporary residence …
Multisectoral advocates call for Negros Occidental to remain GMO-free
Advocates from various sectors are calling for Negros Occidental to remain free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) amid reports of attempts to reverse the landmark ordinance banning GMOs in the province. “We issue this declaration in firm opposition to the testing, introduction or cultivation of GMOs in Negros Occidental. We declare, in unity and with …
Hinigaran showcases best products in OTOP store
The municipality of Hinigaran in Negros Occidental is showcasing its best homegrown products in the newly opened One Town, One Product (OTOP) store, the first local government unit or LGU-led hub in the province. Launched in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Monday, September 1, the OTOP hub also houses the …