By Herman M. Lagon One rarely goes through a day without encountering plastic. From food packaging to throw-away coffee cups, plastic permeates everything, and the issue goes beyond what first greets us. Now, everywhere — in our oceans, soil, air, even within our bodies — microplastics, small bits less than five millimeters, abound. For us …
Monthly Archives: July 2026
Ordering in? Your food delivery may contain toxic chemicals from plastic packs
If you’ve been ordering more takeout food since the onset of the pandemic, chances are most of your meals come in plastic food packs. But did you know that your delivery may also pose hazards to your health? Some 12,000 chemicals are used in making food contact materials (FCMs) or containers used for food, according …
NegOcc restores 110 ha of forestland, watershed
By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Occidental provincial government has restored 110 hectares of degraded forestland within the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP) through its community-based reforestation and watershed conservation program, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said. Diaz, who visited Sitio Tambara in Talisay City’s Barangay San Fernando for an inspection yesterday, said the provincial …
Unifed wants unified action vs. RSSI
By CESAR JOLITO III United Sugar Producers Federation (Unifed) President Manuel Lamata described the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) outbreak in Negros as a serious, island-wide concern that could significantly affect the country’s sugar industry. Lamata called on farmers to work together in containing the infestation, noting that Negros accounts for more than 60 percent …
Student stab case under probe
By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) in Bacolod City is still awaiting the results of police investigation into the stabbing incident involving two minors in front of Sum-ag National High School on Monday, June 29. DSSD assistant head Alma Gustilo said the case has already been referred to the …
Negros Oriental imposes total ban on pigs, pork
By CESAR JOLITO III The Negros Oriental provincial government has reactivated its African swine fever (ASF) task force and imposed a total ban on the entry of live pigs and pork products from ASF-affected and high-risk areas in a bid to protect the province’s swine industry. Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria signed Executive Order No. 46, …
Tieza allots P79.6-M for Dgte airport terminal upgrade
By CESAR JOLITO III The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) has allocated P79.6 million for the rehabilitation and improvement of the Dumaguete Airport terminal in Negros Oriental’s Sibulan town, aiming to enhance passenger comfort and modernize airport facilities. Tieza chief operating officer Mark Lapid announced that the project is part of the agency’s …
Search on for missing flood victim; 2 NegOr towns suspend classes
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Oriental intensified its search and rescue operations for an elderly man who went missing after being swept away by flash floods in Barangay Maloh, Siaton. Lt. Senior Grade Marionne Abigail Enopia, commander of the Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental, said search teams have expanded their operations to nearby …
Eala welcomes possible clash with Williams
By ADRIAN STEWART CO Negrense tennis star Alex Eala remained focused on her opening-round match at Wimbledon but admitted that a potential second-round meeting with 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams would be a special moment. Eala is set to face Mexico’s Renata Zarazua in the first round. During her pre-tournament press conference, however, she …
Bloodied but unbowed: Sinner, Djokovic survive Wimbledon scares
Jannik Sinner survived a major scare and a bloodied foot to open his Wimbledon title defense with a five-set victory over Miomir Kecmanovic, while Novak Djokovic had to dig deep to beat China’s Wu Yibing. Sinner was pushed to the brink of becoming only the third male defending champion to lose in the Wimbledon first …