By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental provincial government will push forward its proposed bulk water supply project, with a public consultation set in E.B. Magalona town on May 20 to discuss the use of the Malogo River as the project’s primary water source. Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the consultation aims to gather …
Monthly Archives: May 2026
Senator calls for full probe into Senate shooting scare
By CESAR JOLITO III A senator called for a full and independent investigation into the shooting incident that occurred at the Senate on Wednesday night, May 13, saying the violence stemmed from Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s refusal to face legal proceedings tied to a reported arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. Speaking during …
Asean Summit in Cebu: Unity amid global uncertainty
By Ignacio R. Bunye When Southeast Asian leaders gathered last week in Cebu under the banner, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” it wasn’t just about handshakes and photo ops. It was about standing together as stewards of a region facing storms — geopolitical, economic and digital — and trying to anchor unity in uncertain waters. The …
Protection or evasion?!
By Herman M. Lagon The circus started, strangely enough, with a return appearance. After months of staying away from the Senate, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa suddenly walked back into the chamber on May 11, just in time for a leadership shake-up that looked more like a political teleserye season finale than legislative work. Cameras …
SRA steps up drive vs. sugarcane pest
By CESAR JOLITO III The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has intensified its campaign against the resurging infestation of the red striped soft-scale insects (RSSI), warning that the pests are beginning to increase anew due to prolonged dry and hot weather conditions linked to El Niño. SRA said around 1,080 hectares of sugarcane plantations in Negros, …
NegOcc officials’ trust, support inspire Army soldiers
The trust and support of the government officials in Negros Occidental serves as inspiration to Philippine Army soldiers in their quest to help bring peace and development to Negrenses, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) said. In a statement, 3ID thanked Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and the Negros Association of Chief Executives (Negros ACE) led …
NegOcc health chief to retire; Capitol seeks successor
By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief Dr. Girlie Pinongan will officially retire from government service on Friday, May 15, ending years of service, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II confirmed. Diaz said Pinongan had previously received two extensions, allowing her to continue serving beyond her original retirement schedule. With her …
Bago factory raided; P2.3-M smuggled cigarettes found
By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities uncovered another suspected cigarette production facility in Negros Occidental’s Bago City and separately recovered P2.3 million worth of abandoned smuggled cigarettes in San Carlos City. Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group raided a warehouse at Purok Pulang Duta in Bago’s Barangay Lag-asan on Tuesday, May 12, following reports …
NegOcc Capitol maximizes efficiency in 4-day workweek
The Negros Occidental provincial government continues to deliver maximum services to Negrenses in a four-day work week while there is no instruction yet from Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to revert to the five-day workweek. Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said Capitol employees are able to fulfill the work required of them and sometimes even more, …
Bacolodnons reign supreme in chess
By ADRIAN STEWART CO AFM’s Ellaine Summer Abanco of Bacolod City emerged as the top performer in the premier 20-under division of the First Elite Chess Challenge held in Bacolod City, highlighting a tournament that drew more than 100 young wood pushers from across the Negros Island Region. Abanco, a national PRISAA participant, Palarong Pambansa …