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By JEN BAYLON La Carlota City’s Pasalamat Festival, originally set for April 21 to 27, has been postponed indefinitely due to safety concerns and logistical challenges caused by Kanlaon Volcano’s unrest. “It’s just postponed, not canceled. It depends on Kanlaon’s status,” La Carlota City Mayor Rex Jalando-on said in a Facebook video post yesterday. “We …

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said 366 police officers have been deployed to assist with the evacuations amid Mt. Kanlaon’s latest unrest. PNP spokesperson, Central Luzon Police chief Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, said 90 of these officers are watching over evacuation hubs set up in La Castellana town, La Carlota City, Bago City, and Canlaon …

Negros Occidental has generated P7.925 billion in tourist receipts as average visitor arrivals increased by 27.25 percent in 2024, the Provincial Tourism Division said. Based on reports submitted by city and municipal tourism offices, the province welcomed 3.236 million excursionists or same-day visitors from January to December last year. These comprised 3.173 million domestic guests …

The Office of the President has named Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson as the chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of the newly-formed Negros Island Region (NIR). Lacson received his appointment papers from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-NIR OIC-Regional Director Lailyn Ortiz and OIC-Assistant Regional Director Teodora …

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided P131.515 million in various assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Negros Island since the explosive eruption of Mt. Kanlaon last December 9. Data of the DSWD Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center on Wednesday, April 9, showed that Negros Occidental has received P83.134 …

The Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental has urged Filipinos to pray and work for justice, following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to answer charges of murder as a crime against humanity. Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said this development is an initial step towards accountability and justice for the victims of impunity …

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Oriental has put in place contingency measures in case of floods or landslides during the May 12 national and local elections. Comelec-Negros Island Region Director Lionel Marco Castillano said he directed the Provincial Joint Security Control Center to map out plans to prevent any disruptions should bad weather …

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) have officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Monday, April 7, 2025, to ensure a stable and uninterrupted power supply during the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections. The ceremonial signing was held at the Negros …

By MA. THERESA LADIAO In a move seen as a major step toward the full operationalization of the newly reestablished Negros Island Region (NIR), Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay formally assumed office as the director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) in NIR yesterday. Ibay’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the region, which is …

The Department of Tourism (DOT) said yesterday tourism activities in areas near Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental are suspended to ensure the safety of both residents and tourists. In an advisory, the DOT said it is now closely coordinating with involved local government units (LGUs) to “prioritize” the safety and well-being of individuals affected by …