By Herman M. Lagon Productivity gets tossed around a lot — sometimes as a buzzword, sometimes as a pressure point. But at its core, as personal development blogger Celestine Chua (2022) and many like her remind us, it is not about doing more — it is about doing what matters. That hits harder when you …
Monthly Archives: December 2025
New study suggests best way to stop taking antidepressants
The best way for people with depression to stop taking antidepressants once their condition improves is to slowly taper off the medication while also receiving psychological support, new research suggests. More than five percent of the global population is estimated to suffer from depression, according to the World Health Organization, and a range of drugs …
7 homes on fire; 22 families displaced
By CESAR JOLITO III Seven houses were gutted in a fast-moving fire that swept Burgos-Locsin Streets in Bacolod City’s Barangay 9 that displaced 22 families on Wednesday afternoon, December 10. The blaze, which broke out at 3:48 p.m. in the house of Roberto Maligdong in Purok Calachuchi, rapidly spread to surrounding structures made of both …
Victorias City acts on AICS payout abuse, aids victims in filing cases
Victorias City in Negros Occidental is investigating the alleged irregularities in the distribution of cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) in one of its barangays. In a statement yesterday, Mayor Abelardo Bantug III said his office received information that beneficiaries received an amount less than what was due to them …
NegOcc Capitol unveils jobs portal to boost local hiring
By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental provincial government has officially launched “Negros Jobs,” a digital employment portal designed to modernize the province’s job-matching system and ease unemployment through faster, data-driven connections between employers and jobseekers. The platform, developed by the Public Employment and Services Office (PESO), aims to centralize local employment opportunities and make …
Canlaon City flood death toll now 23
The death toll in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, due to massive flooding triggered by Typhoon “Tino” last month rose to 23 with the discovery of the decomposing body of another victim in neighboring Moises Padilla town. Officials said yesterday two more residents remain missing. Edna Lhou Masicampo, Canlaon City public information officer, told the Philippine …
Bacolod files raps vs. 33 employees for forging GSIS loan papers
The Bacolod City government has filed administrative complaints against an assistant department head and 32 workers of the General Services Office (GSO) involved in the alleged mass falsification of documents in their application for Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) loans. In an interview yesterday, City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu said Mayor Greg Gasataya has …
NOCPPO, BFP tighten security for holidays
By CESAR JOLITO III Security and emergency response units in Negros Occidental are tightening preparations for the Christmas and New Year festivities, with both the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) placing their forces on full alert and suspending all personnel leave. NOCPPO has been on full alert since …
Yulo vows to comply after case ruling
By CESAR JOLITO III The Office of the Ombudsman has upheld its earlier ruling finding Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Garcia-Yulo and two municipal officials administratively liable for grave abuse of authority and neglect of duty over the delayed processing of a business permit application. The denial of their motions for reconsideration was confirmed by Garcia-Yulo, …
Pablo shines as DLSU takes Game 1 win
By ADRIAN STEWART CO De La Salle University (DLSU) moved a win away from reclaiming the UAAP men’s basketball crown after defeating defending champion University of the Philippines (UP), 74-70, in Game 1 of the Season 88 finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday night, December 10. Bacolodnon Manuel Luis Pablo …