By Herman M. Lagon In a small university in the Visayas, a new graduate program is on hold — not for lack of students or ideas, but because of paperwork. Under CHED Memorandum Order No. 15, s. 2019, a school cannot offer a master’s or doctoral degree unless it has four full-time professors with PhDs …
Monthly Archives: October 2025
Handumanan clears air on ‘no stay’ issue with MassKara dancers, designers
By CESAR JOLITO III Barangay Handumanan officials have issued an official statement clarifying the controversy circulating on social media regarding the alleged refusal to accommodate out-of-town dancers and designers inside the barangay hall during the recently concluded MassKara Festival. In its statement titled “Para sa Katawhan kag sa Kamatuoran,” the barangay asserted that the circulating …
Ibid Creek lahar clearing ops halted due to heavy rains
By CESAR JOLITO III The ongoing clearing of volcanic sediments from Ibid Creek at Barangay Biak na Bato in La Castellana town has been temporarily suspended due to persistent rains, the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) confirmed. PDRRMO head Irene Bel Ploteña said the suspension was implemented as a safety …
Bacolod execs, church leaders set good governance drive vs. corruption
By CESAR JOLITO III In a joint effort to promote integrity and moral renewal in public service, Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez spearheaded an initiative to hold a series of retreats and recollections for city officials and employees, in partnership with local church leaders. Benitez recently met with Fr. Aniceto “Mao” Buenafe …
Minor SUV driver kills 2, injures 3 in mishap
By CESAR JOLITO III A minor driving a sports utility vehicle (SUV) was taken into police custody after being involved in a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of two individuals and injured three others, including a tricycle driver, at the intersection of Gatuslao and B.S. Aquino Streets in Bacolod City’s Barangay 3 early yesterday morning. Authorities …
Over P10.9-M illegal drugs seized during MassKara
By CESAR JOLITO III More than P10.9 million worth of illegal drugs were confiscated by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) during the celebration of the MassKara Festival 2025, covering the period from October 1 to 19. According to BCPO spokesperson, Police Lt. Meller Dionio, operatives conducted 23 drug buy-bust operations across the city, leading …
Man dies after motorcycle crashes under truck
By CESAR JOLITO III A 19-year-old man was killed after his motorcycle slammed into a truck along the national highway at Barangay Sta. Teresa in Negros Occidental’s Manapla town on Monday afternoon, October 20. Police identified the victim only by his alias, Samuel, a resident of Sitio Sangay, Barangay Purisima, in the same town. Initial …
NPA owns death of ‘gov’t informant’
By CESAR JOLITO III The New People’s Army (NPA) in Southwest Negros has confirmed that their unit executed a woman accused of being an informant and collaborator of the government’s anti-insurgency task force at Barangay Lina-on in Negros Occidental’s Cauayan town on October 14. The NPA’s Armando Sumayang Jr. Command (ASJC) identified the victim as …
PH best dancesport athletes shine in MassKara Festival
By ADRIAN STEWART CO The country’s top dancesport athletes converged in the City of Smiles for the 1st Mayor Greg Gasataya National Dancesport Competition 2025, held at the SM City Bacolod Skyhall, as one of the highlights of this year’s MassKara Festival. A total of 228 competitors from various parts of the Philippines showcased their …
Kenyan runner Kipsang rules Bacolod int’l marathon
By ADRIAN STEWART CO Kenyan runner David Kipsang displayed unmatched speed and endurance to rule the 42-kilometer open category of the inaugural City of Smiles International Marathon, held in Bacolod City as part of the 46th MassKara Festival. Kipsang outpaced more than 3,000 runners from Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, and other parts of the Philippines, as …