Possible ‘nationwide protest’ discussed By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Save the Sugar Industry Movement lead convenor Wennie Sancho predicted the eruption of a “social volcano” if the push for sugar liberalization, or the deregulation of sugar importation, is not restrained. “An economic catastrophe of unparalleled proportion [will] engulf the sugar industry,” he insisted. “Sugar import …
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Today is the International Day of Rural Women
The United Nations observes October 15 as the International Day of Rural Women, which recognizes “the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security, and eradicating rural poverty.” According to the UN, women account for a “substantial proportion” of the agricultural labor force with …
Drug-free communities projected by 2022
During a recent orientation in Bacolod City on the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy, an initiative of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), DDB Undersecretary Earl Saavedra said he forecasts drug-free communities springing up by 2022. “We are really setting our eyes on 2022 creating drug-free communities,” he insisted. “We are doing our best to make things …
Albayalde cancels Bacolod City visit following resignation
After he was previously scheduled to arrive in Bacolod City yesterday, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director-General Oscar Albayalde canceled the visit after formally stepping down from the post yesterday morning. In a statement, he said he had the opportunity to talk with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año after being …
DILG fails Binalbagan road clearing operations
Mayor questions basis of the evaluation By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently released the results of their assessment of clearing operations across Negros Occidental and found Binalbagan was the only locality to fail their evaluation. Across the country, a total 97 local government units were found …
Sugar advocates urge Duterte to oppose sugar liberalization
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Tatak Kalamay, a group comprised of planters association, agrarian reform groups, labor organizations, and sugar workers, is calling on President Rodrigo Duterte to listen to their concerns and oppose sugar liberalization, or the deregulation of sugar importation. “The sugar industry is under siege again and we condemn, in the strongest …
PNP chief in Bacolod City today
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Philippine National Police (PNP) Director-General Oscar Albayalde is expected to arrive in Bacolod City today to visit the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO). NOPPO director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, said he believes the police official’s reason for visiting the province is part of his tour of police offices across …
Luzon sugar farmers join call against sugar liberalization
Former SRA official: Importation will kill us By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Luzon sugar farmers recently expressed their opposition to the proposal recommending sugar liberalization, or the deregulation of sugar importation, and are pressuring the Department of Agriculture and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to protect the sugar industry. Former SRA Board Member Lito Sandoval …
LTFRB coordination sought over reported closure of Mansilingan office
Bacolod City Councilor Dindo Ramos, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Transportation, is seeking coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Region VI (LTFRB-6) following claims their satellite office in the city’s Barangay Mansilingan was closed. Concerns arose after Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros Secretary-General Jessie Ortega released a statement claiming …
BCPO-CDEU bust yields P1.2M worth of shabu
At least P1.2 million worth of suspected shabu was seized yesterday morning after Bacolod City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit (BCPO-CDEU) operatives conducted a buy-bust operation in the city’s Barangay 6. Police identified the arrested suspect as Clint ‘Bukay’ Agsam and Paulo ‘Paw-paw’ Bersuela, both residents of the said area. BCPO-CDEU team leader, Police Major …