By CESAR JOLITO III As the debate continues over the most effective response to the infestation of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) affecting sugarcane plantations in Negros, the United Sugar Producers Federation (Unifed) is set to convene a forum with a chemical supplier to address growing concerns and criticisms surrounding the proposed use of systemic …
Monthly Archives: July 2026
Fun run fee hikes must be acceptable: Gasataya
By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has urged the Sangguniang Panlungsod to review the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department’s (BTTMD) proposed hike in permit fees for fun runs. This came after BTTMD officer-in-charge Rheuben Sabig recommended an increase in fun run permit fees, noting that the number of running events organized …
A well-deserved intervention for teachers
By Sonny Angara On June 3, 2024, we witnessed President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signing into law the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act or the institutionalization of the grant of teaching supplies allowance for our public school teachers. Known among the teaching profession as the “chalk allowance,” funding for this expenditure item is sourced from the budget …
Christ’s anger meant for our conversion
By Fr. Roy Cimagala From time to time, we see Christ showing anger over certain issues. This only validates the fact that anger is not necessarily bad, since it is part of our human nature and definitely also of the supernatural character of our life. We just have to be very careful about it, seeing …
Does eating less slow your metabolism? Nutritionists explain what happens
Many people trying to lose weight worry that eating less could slow down their metabolism, making it harder to burn calories and keep the weight off. According to nutrition experts, while the body naturally adapts to prolonged calorie restriction, metabolism does not permanently slow down from dieting alone. Instead, the biggest concern is losing muscle …
28 sugar workers seek DA help over ‘denial’ of sugar amelioration bonus
Twenty-eight sugar farm workers from Hacienda Lolita in Barangay Luna in Negros Occidental’s Cadiz City have sought the intervention of the Department of Agriculture (DA), alleging they were denied their legally mandated three percent share in the Sugar Amelioration Bonus (SAB) and other labor benefits despite decades of service in the sugar plantation. The workers …
CRACKDOWN ON ERRING ESTABLISHMENTS; Bacolod keeps ‘fair business environment’
By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya said the implementation of the closure order against business establishments operating without the required permits is part of the city’s effort to ensure a fair business environment for all law-abiding entrepreneurs. This comes after nine out of 19 business establishments in Barangay Villamonte reopened after their …
EBM creates RSSI task force to combat sugarcane infestation
By CESAR JOLITO III The E.B. Magalona municipal government has created a municipal red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) task force to strengthen its response against the rapidly spreading pest infestation threatening the local sugar industry. The task force was institutionalized to coordinate local efforts in containing and managing the RSSI which has affected sugarcane farms …
NPA owns senior citizen’s killing
By CESAR JOLITO III The New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the killing of a 64-year-old man at Barangay San Isidro in Negros Occidental’s E.B. Magalona, saying the attack was a punitive action over alleged crimes committed by the victim. In a statement, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command said its members carried out …
Handheld metal scanners to deter school crime
By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA The Bacolod City government started the distribution of handheld metal scanners to all public elementary and high schools in the city yesterday. Mayor Greg Gasataya said the initiative is one of the recommendations of the Department of Education (DepEd) – Schools Division of Bacolod to ensure the safety of students within …