Heavy social media use is undermining youth wellbeing in many countries, according to a UN-sponsored report that put Finland at the top of its “happiness” index for the ninth year running. This year’s World Happiness Report highlighted the impact of social media as many countries impose or mull legislative restrictions on social media use for …
Monthly Archives: March 2026
NegOcc ensures preparedness in case Kanlaon under Alert Level 3
By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental provincial government continues to strengthen its coordination with local government units (LGUs) amid the possible escalation of alert status of Kanlaon Volcano, according to Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II. Diaz said efforts are ongoing to ensure readiness, particularly in areas that may be affected should the volcano be …
Special permit granted for Alijis sidewalk vendors
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City council has approved a three-month special permit allowing vendors at the Asenso Market in Barangay Alijis to continue their livelihood while authorities work to establish a permanent public market. The resolution, passed on Wednesday, March 18, temporarily halts the planned demolition of vendor stalls along the vicinity of …
Lacson: Don’t panic buy amid fuel price hike
By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has called on residents to remain calm and avoid panic buying as fuel prices and basic commodity costs continue to rise. Lacson issued the appeal following an online briefing with national officials, where local chief executives were updated on the country’s fuel supply situation and …
Bus firm retains previous fare rates
By CESAR JOLITO III Commuters will continue paying lower fares after Vallacar Transit Inc. rolled back its recent rates increase on Ceres bus routes, following a national government directive suspending fare hikes. The transport firm confirmed that the adjustment implemented earlier this week has been canceled, with old fare rates reinstated effective yesterday. Company media …
Burned cardboard sparks house fire
By CESAR JOLITO III A house fire that broke out in Bacolod City’s Barangay 21 on Wednesday morning, March 18, has been traced to a piece of cardboard ignited by a six-year-old child, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said. The fire occurred at a residence along Cuadra Street, prompting an investigation by BFP arson …
DOH eyeing Sipalay hospital as CLMMRH annex
By CESAR JOLITO III The Department of Health (DOH) is pushing to convert the Merceditas J. Montilla District Hospital (MJMDH) in Negros Occidental’s Sipalay City into an annex facility of Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in a bid to strengthen healthcare services in southern Negros Occidental. In a letter to Governor Eugenio Jose …
‘Holdup, gun-for-hire’ suspect arrested
By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities arrested an alleged holdup and gun-for-hire suspect during an operation in Bacolod City on Wednesday, March 18. The Bacolod City Police Office said the suspect, identified only by the alias “Pocholo,” was apprehended within the jurisdiction of Police Station 3. Police described the suspect as a notorious individual allegedly involved …
Sugarcane field yields dead body
By CESAR JOLITO III A 37-year-old man was found dead in a sugarcane field in Negros Occidental’s Sagay City late Wednesday night, March 18. Sagay police said the victim, a store helper and resident of the area, was discovered by his cousin at 10:55 p.m. in Sitio Yungho, Barangay Poblacion 1. The unidentified man was …
Workers get double pay for Eid’l Fitr: DOLE
Employees who will work today, March 20, a regular holiday nationwide in observance of Eid’l Fitr, will receive double pay of their daily rate, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said. In an advisory, the department reminded private sector companies that employees who render work during a regular holiday should receive 200 percent of …