HEADLINE

A total of 12,366 residents or 3,641 families evacuated three days after the explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, as mass evacuations are still underway. Data from the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) showed La Castellana town had the highest number of evacuees with 8,505. It is followed by La Carlota City with 1,258 residents, …

By JEN BAYLON The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will likely hoist Kanlaon Volcano’s status to Alert Level 4 following its explosive eruption on Monday, December 9. The Phivolcs said among the signs that they are looking for to declare Kanlaon under Alert Level 4 include a slow rise of magma and swelling of …

By JEN BAYLON The Negros Occidental provincial government is eyeing placing the province under a state of calamity following the explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Monday, December 9.  Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will convene today for a special session to discuss plans for the declaration of a state of calamity …

By JEN BAYLON Kanlaon Volcano erupted explosively yesterday afternoon, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to hoist Alert Level 3 over the volcano, indicating magmatic unrest. Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said the eruption lasted for seven minutes at 3:03 p.m., with Kanlaon emitting plumes reaching approximately 3,000 meters and drifting west-southwest. Bacolcol …

By Jen Baylon The supply of pork in Negros Occidental is adequate for the holiday season, Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) head Dr. Placeda Lemana said, despite two local government units (LGUs) being classified as red zones for African swine fever (ASF). Lemana said pork supply is well-stocked at local markets in the province, although prices vary significantly …

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) will formulate programs to curb the decline in mill gate prices of sugar while increasing demand this month. “The SRA board is looking at various programs to bring up the prices,” SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said during a press conference at the SRA office in Bacolod City earlier this week. “The …

The Department of Health (DOH) is waiting for the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release the budget allocation for the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) for health workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic. DOH Undersecretary Dr. Mary Ann Maestral said the DBM owes about P202.8 million in HEA to health workers in Negros …

By JEN BAYLON The One Hospital Command Center (OHCC), a vital patient referral initiative established by the Negros Occidental provincial government, will not be dismantled, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said yesterday. “We cannot simply abolish a system that has proven effective and beneficial for our communities,” PHO head Girlie Pinongan said. The OHCC is rooted in the …

The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) directed police commanders in the region to implement maximum visibility in strategic places and areas of convergence this holiday season. “There will be an influx of people and tourists in different areas in the region,” PRO-6 director Brigadier General Jack Wanky said. He said the heightened police …

By Jen Baylon The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bacolod City said familiarization with the new automated counting machine (ACM) will ensure a smooth electoral process in the 2025 midterm elections. “We want our voters to experience how to vote using the new machine before election day,” Comelec-Bacolod officer Revo Sorbito said during the launch …