By Fr. Roy Cimagala Christ once told his disciples, and now us, that we should be the salt and light of the earth. (cfr. Matthew 5:13-16) In other words, we should give the proper flavor and provide the proper light so all of us can be led to our proper destination. This basic truth about …
Monthly Archives: December 2025
Cuts to HIV funding ‘most significant setback in decades’: UN
Dramatic international funding cuts have thrown the global human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) response into turmoil, the United Nations said, warning that new infections could surge. The UNAIDS agency cautioned that, since the United States and others abruptly slashed funding this year, the ecosystem sustaining HIV treatment and prevention in dozens of countries has been “shaken …
Beware of fixers, biz owners told | Gasataya orders crackdown on ‘irregular’ permit processing
By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has issued a strong warning to business owners in the city to avoid dealing with fixers, stressing that the local government is tightening its processes to stop long-standing schemes that put entrepreneurs at risk. “Gapanawagan kita sa aton mga businessmen diri sa syudad: Indi na kamo …
Voter reg slowdown due to flooding: Comelec-NIR
By CESAR JOLITO III Voter registration in the Negros Island Region (NIR) has experienced a temporary slowdown, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed, citing flooding in several areas in the past weeks. Comelec-NIR Director Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano confirmed that the recent flooding in Bacolod City and other areas temporarily affected registration after schools and offices were forced …
C3 vows to file raps vs. flood infra mess perpetrators
By CESAR JOLITO III The Council for Concerned Citizens (C3) has formally submitted its initial report on alleged anomalous infrastructure projects in Bacolod City, prompting assurances from the group’s legal counsel Atty. Renecito Novero that criminal and administrative complaints will be filed against those found responsible. In a radio interview yesterday, Novero confirmed that their …
NegOr draws on QRF for extra P2-M aid to Canlaon City
Members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) have approved the release of an additional P2 million in cash assistance to Canlaon City from the provincial government’s Quick Response Fund (QRF). The amount will be used to procure essential needs of survivors of Typhoon “Tino” in the city. On behalf of Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria, …
DTI’s P500 noche buena budget draws flak
By CESAR JOLITO III Kabataan Party-list Representative Renee Co criticized the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) assertion that a Filipino family can prepare a noche buena meal with only P500, calling the claim “out of touch” with the current economic reality. “Why does our government have that perception? Are they really that out of …
NegOcc sees stable pork prices, prepares for holiday demand
By CESAR JOLITO III Pork prices in Negros Occidental have remained relatively low, reflecting a stable supply following the province’s recovery from African swine fever (ASF). “Despite concerns of rising prices, the most expensive pork on markets is around P340 per kilo, while the cheapest is P250,” Provincial Veterinarian Office chief Dr. Placeda Lemana said. …
Sabete, Petro Gazz clinch PVL crown
By ADRIAN STEWART CO The Petro Gazz Angels shook off a sluggish start to topple the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 21-25, 28-26, 25-23, 25-19, and secure the PVL Reinforced Conference championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, November 30. Negrense hitter Jonah Sabete provided timely offensive and defensive moves in the last two sets for the …
Doncic helps Lakers beat Pelicans for 7th straight win
Luka Doncic scored 20 of his 34 points in the first quarter and added 12 rebounds with seven assists as the Los Angeles Lakers increased their winning streak to seven games with a 133-121 victory over the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans yesterday (Philippine time). Austin Reaves scored 33 points with eight assists and Deandre Ayton …