By CESAR JOLITO III Bringing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to small communities is at the heart of Negros Occidental’s energy transition, as the province advances its energy framework for 2030 alongside the Renewable Energy Week Expo 2026 set for May 7 to 9. Anchored on the goal of delivering reliable, renewable, accessible, affordable, available, …
Monthly Archives: May 2026
Nacusip supports sugar reform bill
By CESAR JOLITO III A national federation of sugar workers and agrarian reform beneficiaries has thrown its support behind legislative efforts to overhaul the country’s sugar industry, while calling for accountability over what it described as damaging importation policies. The National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry in the Philippines (Nacusip) expressed “unwavering support” …
From chew sticks to high tech
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim Brushing our teeth is such an ordinary part of daily life that we rarely stop to think about where the toothbrush came from. Yet this simple tool, essential for maintaining oral hygiene, has a fascinating history that spans thousands of years and multiple civilizations. The toothbrush, as we know it …
False prophets galore!
By Fr. Roy Cimagala “Beware of false prophets!” (Matthew 7:15) That’s what Christ told his disciples. These days, this warning assumes a most urgent character, since we cannot deny that we are having many people who are presenting themselves as prophets and yet their messages can stir serious doubts in us. There is indeed a …
After the CHED hearing, what lingers?
By Herman M. Lagon There was something quietly uneasy about the May 5 CHED hearing on the reframing of General Education. Nothing dramatic, nothing confrontational — just a kind of feeling that stayed in the background. You could pick it up in how people spoke, a bit more measured than usual, in the slight pauses, …
Toboso returns to 5-day work week
By CESAR JOLITO III The municipal government of Toboso in Negros Occidental will revert to a regular five-day work week starting May 11, as local officials move to address operational delays observed under the previously implemented compressed work schedule. Mayor Richard Jaojoco said the adjustment is aimed at improving public service efficiency and accessibility, citing …
Scaling RE for communities NegOcc strategy: ex-guv
By CESAR JOLITO III Former Negros Occidental governor and provincial energy and environment consultant Rafael “Lito” Coscolluela said expanding renewable energy (RE) access to small communities is a key part of the province’s long-term strategy. Despite the province’s ambition to eventually rely entirely on renewable energy, Coscolluela acknowledged that reaching 100 percent remains challenging. “Target …
Supply gaps, fuel costs push high rice prices
By CESAR JOLITO III Rice prices across the Negros Island Region (NIR) have increased this week, as the Department of Agriculture (DA) attributed the rise to lower production levels and higher fuel costs. Data from the DA’s regional monitoring as of May 4 show that well-milled imported rice is now priced at an average of …
Man shot dead by 3 assailants
By CESAR JOLITO III A 53-year-old man was shot dead by three unidentified armed men inside his home in a remote village of Negros Occidental’s Calatrava town on Tuesday morning, May 5. Calatrava police said the victim, whose identity has not yet been publicly disclosed, was reportedly preparing to leave with his wife when the …
22 y/o woman yields P340-K ‘shabu’
By CESAR JOLITO III A suspected high-value drug personality was arrested in a pre-dawn buy-bust operation in Bacolod City’s Barangay 3 yesterday. Authorities identified the suspect as a 22-year-old female resident of Purok Lubi in the village. The operation was carried out at 3:13 a.m., resulting in the seizure of approximately 50 grams of suspected …