HEADLINE

By JEN BAYLON Kanlaon Volcano’s explosive eruption early yesterday morning was not a major one expected, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. “There is an expectation of a bigger explosion, but we do not yet know when it will happen,” Phivolcs Research Specialist 1 Pearly Sianson said yesterday. Kanlaon erupted with a …

By JEN BAYLON Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed confidence that the recent imposition of a 17 percent tariff on Philippine goods by the United States will not significantly impact the local economy. “I don’t think it has any major effect on our economy in Negros Occidental,” Lacson said. The governor’s optimism stems from the …

By JEN BAYLON A total of 25,102 individuals, comprising 7,656 families, have been displaced by the ongoing unrest at Kanlaon Volcano almost four months following its explosive eruption late last year. Based on data from the Department of Health’s (DOH) Mount Kanlaon Response Report, as of Saturday, April 5, affected residents are currently housed in …

By JEN BAYLON The sugar industry in Negros Occidental is bracing for significant challenges following the announcement of higher tariffs on goods in the United States under the administration of President Donald Trump. In an exclusive interview yesterday, United Sugar Producers Federation (Unifed) President Manuel Lamata expressed concerns about the potential “very bad effect” on sugar exports …

By JEN BAYLON The Office of Civil Defense in the Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) has intensified border control measures within Kanlaon Volcano’s extended danger zone (EDZ) as ash emissions continue to pose significant risks. OCD-NIR Director Donato Sermeno III said residents and visitors are strongly advised to avoid entering the six-kilometer EDZ unless “absolutely necessary.” …

By JEN BAYLON The Commission on Elections in the Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) confirmed that no local government unit (LGU) in Negros Occidental has been classified under the Red Category, which denotes critical areas of concern for the May 12 midterm elections. Comelec-NIR Regional Director Lionel Marco Castillano revealed that the region submitted recommendations regarding …

By JEN BAYLON Ashfall and distinct sulfuric odors were experienced in areas surrounding Kanlaon Volcano as four ashing events were emitted by the volcano yesterday. The occurrence of ashfall from Kanlaon was experienced in La Carlota City’s Barangay Ara-al and La Castellana’s Barangay Sag-ang, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in an …

By JEN BAYLON The first three days of the local campaign period in Negros Occidental commenced without any reported disruptions or violations, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office said yesterday. Provincial election supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said no notices of violation have been issued so far by his office or any municipal and city Comelec offices against …

The basic social services program of the Bacolod City government will not be affected by the loan repayment, Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said in response to Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran’s claims. “Let’s set the record straight so that the constant lying of the other party will stop,” Benitez said in a statement on …

A total of 785 candidates are vying for 369 electoral positions in Negros Occidental for the May 12 midterm elections as the campaign period for local aspirants kicked off yesterday. Records from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental show four candidates — Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, business owner Ernesto Librando, Paul Octaviano, and …