By CESAR JOLITO III The national government’s move to temporarily halt rice importation for two months, starting September 1, is gaining broad support from both local agricultural groups and provincial leaders, who view the measure as vital protection for Filipino farmers. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. approved the 60-day suspension yesterday following the recommendation of Agriculture …
HEADLINE
Review progress: Bacolod to terminate erring contractors amid flood control project delays
By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya warned erring contractors that they could soon face termination and blacklisting as the city government is stepping up its efforts to hold construction firms accountable for delayed flood control and drainage projects in the city. “Contractors who fail to perform will not be tolerated. They may be …
Refuse to go: Damaged homes delay return of some Kanlaon evacuees
By CESAR JOLITO III Some internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by Kanlaon Volcano’s unrest remain stranded in evacuation centers as their homes have been destroyed by the volcanic ashfall while decampment is steadily progressing. “There are families who still refuse to go home because their houses have either been totally or partially destroyed,” Office of …
Spare no effort: Army vows crackdown on NPA remnants amid Negros killings
By CESAR JOLITO III The Philippine Army has intensified its campaign against what it calls “terroristic” activities of New People’s Army (NPA) remnants in Negros Island, vowing justice for civilians targeted in a recent wave of killings allegedly perpetrated by the insurgent group. Brigadier General Joey Escanillas, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, condemned the killings and …
Finally going home: Kanlaon evacuees in La Castellana decamp; 27 families await relocation
By CESAR JOLITO III After nearly seven months of living in evacuation centers, more than 1,500 residents displaced by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Occidental’s La Castellana have finally been allowed to return to their homes. “This is a hopeful day for our evacuees who have long endured cramped and difficult conditions. They …
Deal with RSSI: Israel to aid Negros Occidental in sugarcane pest battle
By CESAR JOLITO III A team of agricultural experts from Israel is set to arrive in Negros Occidental next week to help combat the growing infestation of the red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI), which have been affecting sugarcane farms across the province. The announcement was made by Israeli Consul Moti Cohen during his courtesy visit to …
Home at last! Over 4,000 evacuees to return home amid Alert 2 at Kanlaon
By CESAR JOLITO III More than 4,000 evacuees will now be permitted to return home within Kanlaon Volcano’s six-kilometer extended danger zone following the volcano’s downgrade to Alert Level 2, signaling a general decline in volcanic activity after nearly seven months of heightened unrest. Donato Sermeno III, director of the Office of Civil Defense in the …
Ignored struggle: Negros labor group dismayed over wage hike snub at SONA
By MAE SINGUAY The General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) expressed profound disappointment and dismay over the glaring omission of the proposed legislated wage increase during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28. GAWA Secretary General Wennie Sancho lamented that the pressing concerns of workers, particularly the inadequacy of wages …
Long overdue: Benitez vows to refile Bacolod redistricting bill
By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has reaffirmed his commitment to refile a bill that would divide the highly urbanized city into two congressional districts, a move that aims to boost political representation and accelerate access to national development programs. “Still, I’m firmly committed to pushing through with Bacolod’s redistricting. …
Broader focus; Lacson: Pressing issues in NegOcc ‘likely left out’ in SONA
By CESAR JOLITO III As President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. prepares to deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said he does not expect the province’s pressing concerns to be part of the national report. “While we hope that Negros Occidental’s needs will be addressed, I understand that …