HEADLINE

By CESAR JOLITO III The long-awaited flood control master plan for Bacolod City is set to be launched on November 15 as part of a coordinated effort between local and national agencies to address the city’s persistent flooding problem. This was announced by Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez following a Flood Control Pre-Summit …

By CESAR JOLITO III A broad coalition of farmers, scientists and community leaders under the Masipag Provincial Consultative Body (PCB) – Negros has formally urged the Negros Occidental provincial government to reject the proposed regulatory ordinance on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), warning that it threatens the province’s standing as the “Organic Capital of the Philippines.” …

By CESAR JOLITO III The streets of Bacolod City burst with color, rhythm and energy as Barangay Tangub emerged as the grand champion in the Arena and Street Dance Competition – Barangay Category, one of the highlights of the 46th MassKara Festival yesterday, showcasing the indomitable spirit and creativity of Bacolodnons. Barangay Tangub will take …

By CESAR JOLITO III The City of Smiles is set to light up with color, music and excitement as the MassKara Festival highlights weekend officially kicks off, promising a full lineup of events that will energize the city, ignite your senses and bring even more smiles to Bacolod. This year’s grand weekend is expected to …

By CESAR JOLITO III There is now strong evidence suggesting that Sugar Order (SO) No. 8, the controversial order that authorized the importation of 424,000 metric tons (MT) of refined sugar — was signed before the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) consulted with industry stakeholders, the Sugar Council (SC) revealed. The SC, composed of the Confederation of Sugar …

By CESAR JOLITO III No sugar importation will be allowed until the end of the current milling season in mid-2026, the national government assured sugar industry stakeholders as part of its commitment to support local producers and stabilize market prices. This was confirmed during a recent meeting with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Sugar Regulatory …

By CESAR JOLITO III Lawmakers in the Negros Island Region (NIR) called for immediate and decisive intervention from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) over the sharp and continuing decline of sugar prices, which could place the livelihoods of thousands of sugarcane farmers in jeopardy. In a joint statement, Negros Occidental Representatives Julio Ledesma IV (1st District), …

By CESAR JOLITO III The country’s major sugarcane federations have united to demand answers from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) over the sharp decline in sugar and molasses prices, warning that the industry’s viability — and its leadership culture — are both under serious threat. In a rare joint statement, National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP) President Enrique Rojas …

By CESAR JOLITO III The United Sugar Producers Federation (Unifed) has come to the defense of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), rejecting criticisms from the Confederation of Sugar Producers Association, Inc. (Confed) that blamed the agency for the recent drop in sugar and molasses prices at the start of the milling season. “If there is someone …

By CESAR JOLITO III In a major blow to the illegal drug trade, authorities in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City recorded two successive operations that led to the arrest of two high-value drug personalities and the seizure of more than P1 million worth of suspected shabu. In Negros Occidental’s Victorias City, operatives of the City Component …