By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental is stepping up its assistance to earthquake-stricken Bogo City in Cebu province, sending P2 million in financial aid to help affected residents recover.
The cash assistance comes on the heels of a large-scale humanitarian mission mounted by the province and several local government units, collectively known as the One Negros Response Team.
“We are sending this donation as another form of help from Negrenses for our brothers and sisters in Cebu who were affected by the earthquake,” Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday.
He said other local governments in Negros Occidental are also preparing to extend financial assistance to Cebu.
“This is a testament to how we Negrenses respond — with heart and solidarity — whenever others are in need,” Lacson added.
The One Negros Response Team — composed of the cities of San Carlos, Sipalay, Silay, Sagay, Cadiz, Talisay, Escalante, and Victorias, as well as Toboso town — continues to coordinate with Cebu’s disaster management offices to ensure sustained aid delivery and logistical support for earthquake-affected communities.
On Friday, October 3, the team — spearheaded by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office — was deployed to Cebu to assist in rescue, relief and water distribution operations in Bogo City and neighboring areas.
The contingent brought 52,100 liters of potable water, along with two tankers, two mobile water filtration units, an ambulance, a rescue truck, two utility vehicles, and other essential logistics support, to quake survivors in one city and two towns.
According to Lacson, the rescue teams will be pulled out within the week, except for the group from Victorias City, which departed later and will continue operations./CJ, WDJ
——–
Rerouting schemes in effect for MassKara; motorists told to brace for congestion
By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) is appealing for the cooperation and patience of motorists as rerouting schemes remain in effect for the duration of the ongoing MassKara Festival.
In a radio interview yesterday, BTTMD head Ruben Sabig said their office continues to conduct real-time assessments to improve traffic flow across the city, particularly near major festival sites.
“We ask for everyone’s continued understanding and cooperation. The goal is to keep the flow of traffic as smooth and safe as possible while everyone enjoys the festival,” Sabig said.
He assured the public that BTTMD personnel are on duty round-the-clock to monitor traffic conditions and immediately respond to congestion or emergencies.
Currently, around 50 traffic enforcers are deployed around the festival’s main venues, with plans to add 15 to 20 more before MassKara Festival’s highlights on October 18 and 19, to ensure smooth traffic management.
Sabig admitted that some difficulties were experienced during the first day of rerouting but noted that drivers and commuters have since adjusted to the changes.
“There were initial challenges, but motorists eventually became more familiar with the new routes,” he said.
BTTMD head added that traffic tends to slow down near the Bacolod City Government Center because only one main road is open to vehicles in the area.
Meanwhile, public utility jeepneys (PUJs) are among the most affected near the Bacolod City Public Plaza, where several road closures are in place.
According to Sabig, Burgos–San Juan Street remains open, but Gatuslao Street is closed to traffic.
PUJs and private vehicles are instead advised to pass through Galo Street as an alternative route.
The BTTMD is also studying additional rerouting options in anticipation of the temporary closure of Lacson Street, where most of the MassKara highlights and parades will take place./CJ, WDJ