By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental and the Negros Island Region (NIR) are now under heightened alert as heavy to intense rainfall is expected due to Tropical Depression “Verbena” until Wednesday noon, November 26. Based on the rainfall advisory issued yesterday, Negros Occidental — along with Capiz, Iloilo, Cebu, Bohol, Surigao provinces, and parts of the Bicol Region — will …
Monthly Archives: November 2025
Addressing the plastic problem
By Sonny Angara The problem with plastic materials is that many of them last forever. While some types are considered biodegradable, many require industrial-level processes to be recycled or broken down to harmless materials. Plastics are very useful for many industries. For example, up to a fourth of all packaging used globally are made of …
The integral should give way to the essential
By Fr. Roy Cimagala This was clearly expounded by Christ himself when he said, “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire.” (Mark 9:43) And he continued, “And if your foot …
DOH floats total ban on vape
The Department of Health (DOH) over the weekend floated the idea of a sweeping ban on vape products as it condemned the “deceptive” marketing of the e-cigarettes, which the agency said pose serious health risks. Speaking on dzMM, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa lamented that some high school students were using and flaunting vapes, which are …
Surge in suspected leptos cases seen
By CESAR JOLITO III Health authorities in Negros Occidental are closely monitoring a surge in suspected leptospirosis cases following Typhoon “Tino,” as the Provincial Health Office (PHO) coordinates with local government units (LGUs) to ensure timely detection and response. PHO chief Dr. Girlie Pinongan said more than 90 suspected leptospirosis cases have been reported, including …
Bacolod urges unified campaign to end VAW
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has called for a citywide mobilization in support of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) this year, urging all local government offices and barangays to take an active role in awareness and advocacy activities from November 25 to December 12. The resolution, authored by …
Phivolcs warns of lahar amid ‘Verbena’
By CESAR JOLITO III The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a strong warning about possible lahars from Kanlaon Volcano due to incoming heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression “Verbena.” “We urge the public to remain vigilant for any additional ash emissions and monitor rainfall closely, especially those living near the volcano,” Phivolcs Science …
SRA mobilizes aid to sugarcane farmers after ‘Tino’
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has mobilized assistance for sugarcane farmers in the Visayas as initial industry losses brought by Typhoon “Tino” (international name “Kalmaegi”) reached more than P1.2 billion. In a statement, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said Typhoon “Tino,” which hit Negros Island and the neighboring regions on November 4, was among the …
Dgte buy-bust yields over P2.2-M ‘shabu’
By CESAR JOLITO III Police in the newly formed Negros Island Region scored one of their largest anti-drug victories this quarter after seizing more than P2.2 million worth of suspected shabu in a tightly coordinated buy-bust operation in Dumaguete City’s Barangay Candau-ay on Saturday, November 22. The operation led to the arrest of a 33-year-old alleged …
Pastrana stars as UST mauls NU
By ADRIAN STEWART CO The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses moved closer to an outright finals seat in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball after a 105-85 rout over the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, November 23. Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana …